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COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. 



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Copyright 1903 

t>y 

Chas. Kane. 



INDEX. 



Page. 
Portrait of Chas. Kane, Frontis- 
piece 1 

Copyright 2 

Contents. 

Author's Preface 3 

Th'e American Spirit 4 

My Aim in Writing 5 

Quatrain. — The Pen 7 

Dedication. — Docendo Discimu's 9 

Pitcairn 10 

Illustration. — Birds-eye View of 
Pitcairn. 

Life No. 1 11 

Life No. 2 12 

Equity 13 

Home 13 

Land of tlie West 14 

A Broken Heart 14 

"Poeta Nascitur non Pit" 15 

A Poet is Born Not Made 

Th'e Workingman 16 

"Ye Olden Time" 17 

Motto of Gen. — T'wice President 

of the United States 19 

The Fourth of March — Inaugur- 
ation Day 20 

The Good Samaritan 21 

The Melancholy Days — New 

Version 21 

The Dollar of Our Daddi'es 22 

The Man Without a Party 23 

Retrospection 25 

Moments 26 

A Memento 26 

Quatrain. — The Pen, No. 2 .... . 26 
Quatrain. — "Men Purpose, but 

God Doth Dispose" 26 

Evolution 27 



Page. 
A Quatrain. — "Better Late Than 

Never" 28 

Moral Forces 28 

"Imperfection" 29 

Harvest 30 

Disguises 32 

Winter 33 

Professional Dead-beats, or 

Sharks 34 

On Whicli Side? 36 

Duty of the Enlightened Citizen 37 

Quatrain.— "Pons Assinorum".. 39 

Waiting for My Call 39 

A Mem'ento, Written in 1886 to 

Parry Duff 40 

Ante-Bellum Days. — Before the 

War 41 

"Speak Not 111 of the Bridge 

That Carries You Over" 42 

How Dreadfully Hard to Be 

Poor 43 

Keep Out of Debt 45 

Reversal of the Picture 46 

The War With Chili 47 

"Lost" 48 

Shut Your Mouth and Do Not 

Squeal 50 

Death of the Poet, Walt Whit- 
man 51 

Age — A Simile 53 

The Unknown Author 54 

Keep Good Company 56 

The Gospel of How to Get 

There 57 

The Giant's Struggle 58 

Quatrain.— The Golden Daw 59 

"God Bless The Boys" 59 

Golden Rule for Boys and Girls 61 

"Somebody Left in the Cold".. 62 



Page. 

One Minute Late 63 

Too Many Creeds 65 

A Consummate Wretch 66 

Z'ero Weather 68 

The Fount of Youth 69 

"The Great Divide"— An Indian 

Compla'mt 70 

Modern Justice or Injustice 71 

The Blessings of Home ,.. 73 

A Wrecli 74 

Pleasant Things 75 

Hawaii; Chief City — Honolulu.. 76 

The Chaplain's Prayer 77 

Defeated 78 

Sp'eech — "Copia Verbonum" . . 80 

The D'efeat of Xerxes 81 

Morning Calls 83 

Quatrains. — On Music 84 

"New Years— 1896-1903" 85 

Household Restraint 86 

Summer Days 87 

Life's Problem 88 

Reputation 90 

My Broken Idol 91 

Going to High School 92 

Mild October 94 

The Coxyite 95 

The People Have Spoken 96 

Move Onward, O Time 97 

Answer to — "Rock Me to Sleep 

Our Boys 98 

The Unexpected 100 

Th'e Course of Empire 102 

Addenda 105 

A Beautiful Thought 107 

Our Fast Age 108 

Quatrain. — Fools 110 

"America for Americans" 110 

The Great Overflow 112 

Hold Your Tongue 114 

Are Holidays a Blessing? 115 

Hope Died at Last 119 



Page* 

Superstition . , 120 

Mod'ern American Politics 123 

Neglect Not Small Oppor- 
tunities 125 

Degeneracy. — A Quatrain 127 

The Mother-m-Law 127 

Suggestive Thoughts 129 

The Wiseacre's Saying — "I 

Told You So" 130 

The Dying Bngin'eer 131 

Hard Times 132 

"Not Wanted" 134 

"Wanted" 13'6 

True Happiness 137 

How Do You Treat Your 

Wives? 139 

How Do You Treat Your Men? 141 

Gentleman Groundhog 142 

Robert Burns— The Scotch 

Poet 144 

"For a'That"— By Burns 146 

"Highland Mary" — By Burns.. 147 

Common Sense 148 

True Politeness — "The Man- 
ners Make the Man" 150 

Wanted— Advice 152 

Nothing Succeeds Like Success 153 
Advantages of Age^ — By Cicero 155 

Addenda 156 

The Poet's Ambition 157 

"The New Woman" 158 

Contrast 159 

Addenda 160 

Truth . 161 

Pittsburg, Pa 163 

Enoch Arden 164 

My Fortune 166 

Natural Fools 168 

Good Health 169 

Blennerhas'set's Isle 170 

In Oil City in 1865 172 

"The Monroe Doctrine" 175 



Page. 

Trtbute to Armenia 177 

An Iroquois Legend, or tTie 

Land of Souls 178 

Th'e Poor Man's Possession . . . 181 

A Dividing Line 182 

Rieligious Thouglit 184 

The Master's Work 185 

Ye Have Taken Away My 

Gods 186 

The Church of To-day 187 

Elaster Morning No. 1 189 

Easter No. 2 190 

And He Repaired the Broken 

Down Altars 191 

A Hole in the Wall 192 

Whither Shall We Flee? 194 

"The Bright and Morning Star" 194 

The Guiding Hand 196 

Thanks 197 

Our Clioice 198 

The Better Life 199 

The Storm's of Time 200 

"The New Jerusalem" 200 

"The Death of Moses" 201 

"Th'e Day of Grace" 203 

Crossing the Stream 204 

Pen'itential Hymn 206 

Walk Not Proudly 207 

The Sabbath 210 

God Bless the Children 212 

Tribute to the Fathers — "These 

Suns Have Set" 214 

Charity 215 

God's Care 216 

Naaman The Leper, 2d Kings: 

5-10 217 

Survey of Creation 219 

The Seven Churches — Of Asia 

Minor 220 

Ruth and Naomi 222 

Ultima thule. Utmost Limit. . 224 
Heaven — ^Ancient and Modern. . 225 



Page. 

Refuge 226 

The Oracle 227 

TEMPERANCE POEMS. 
The War's Upon Us — "D^elenda 
est Carthago" Carthage Must 

Be Destroyed 228 

A Ruined Life— An Imitation . . 229 

Cause of Bad Times 231 

The Wine Goblet 232 

The Rich S'aloonist 233 

What a Gallon of Wh'iskey Did 234 

The Deadly En'emy 235 

The Maiden's Resolution 237 

Cold Water Song 238 

The Glass 240 

PATRIOTIC AND SENTI- 
MENTAL POEMS. 

Our National Bird 243 

Anniversary Poem for G. A. R., 

Written May 30, 1892 244 

Memorial Ode to G. A. R 246 

Blaine, The Eminent Statesman 

and Patriot 247 

Lincoln — Illustration — Portrait 
of Lincoln The Angel of 

Hope 250 

Barefoot Boy — New Version... 252 

The Tem.ple of Fame 253 

The Domestic Hearth 255 

Memory 258 

The Angel of Peace 259 

The Last Experiment — "Epluri- 
bus Unum" — One Out of 
Many 261 

POEMS. 

On Courtship, Love, Marriage 
and Song. 

Courtsh'ip 265 

Cup.id and Mars 266 

Musing of a Pensive Swain — 266 



Page. 

Courting — In Retrospective 267 

The Bachelor's Haven — An Imi- 
tation of— "Tell M'e Ye 

Winged Winds" 268 

The American Ladies 270 

The Minister's Kiss 272 

The Wildwood Strain 274 

The Wife 275 

Forever Thine 276 

Is Marriage a Fa'ilure? 277 

To Love and Wed 278 

"Th'e Tune the Old Cow Died 

On" , 280 

Courtship and Marriage — At 

Long Range 281 

My Angels 282 

The Bachelor 284 

The Old Maid 284 

The Hen-pecked Husband 286 

Truest Enjoyments Found at 

Home 288 

Womans Wiles 289 

POEMS ON MYTHOLOGY. 

The Toils of Hercules 293 

Daphn'e 296 

Phaeton 298 

Niobe 302 

Helle 303 

Orpheus and Eurydike 304 

POEMS OF AN OBITUARY 
CHARACTER. 

"Father" 308 

"Mother" 309 

In Memoriam 310 

Immortality 311 

Closing Ode — ^Vale! "Any Thing 

New?" 313 

A Visit to the Johnston Ceme- 
tery 314 



Page. 
POEMS' WRITTEN LATER. 

Sing Me a Song 315 

Boss Rule of To-day 316 

"G-old Brick" 317 

National Decay — E Piuribus 

Unum 318 

Build'mg 320 

New Years Pause, Joshua 3-4. . 322 
The Picture— "That's Not Turn- 
ed Towards the Wall" 323 

Excuses Won't Co 324 

New Version of "America" .... 326 
Song, "When You and I Were 

Boys" 327 

Blest Land of Our Fathers 328 

Russia's Massacre of the Jew's. 330 

A Song of the Hen 332 

Futility of Writing 333 

What Is Home Without a 

Mother? 335 

The Beautiful Gate, Acts 3:1-10. 336 

"Sic Mundi Gloria Transit" 337 

Illustration — ^Grover Cleveland. 338 
Answer to "Together" By Aus- 
tin 338 

A Tribute to the Late Presi- 
dent McKmley 340 

Illustration — MicKinley 340 

Lines Suggested By President 
McKinley's Going Home to 

See His Dying Mother 341 

What Is th'e Greatest Good?. ... 342 
Francis Scott Key, Author of 

the Star Spangled Banner.. 344 
Darkness^ — Here Used in a Fig- 
urative Sense 345 

A Reminiscence With a Moral. 346 

"The Maine" 347 

Addenda 348 

P'eace Proclamation of Presi- 
dent McKinley, August 12th, 
'98 349 



Page. 
Admiral Dewey's Victory at Ma- 
nilla 350 

"Why?" 

Sketch of Napoleon Bonaparte. 352 

George Washington 

Illustration — "George Washing- 
ton" 356 

The American Flag 

Illustration — "On Guard" 359 

Decision 360 

"The Mill Cannot Be Run With 

Water That Is Past" 362 

Labor Song — Dedicated to the 

Gause of Labor 363 

True Hope 364 

Greatness 365 

Man Was Created for Immor- 
tality 366 

A National Tribute 367 

The Poet— New Poem 368 

"Mammon" 370 

Gettysburg 371 

Ballad — Not in Favor of "Lager 

Beer" 372 

Dear to My Heart 373 

New Version of Dixie 374 

The interview 375 

The Man of Galilee 376 

Forgiveness — ^"To Err is Hu- 
man, to Forgive Divine" .... 377 
"In the Shadow of Mine 

Hand" 577 

"Look Unto the Rock Whence 

Ye Were Hewn" 378 

The Redeemed of the Lord 379 

The Gospel Invitation 380 

The Feast of Belshazzar 381 

"A Good Man Has Passed 

Away" 382 

"Kings" 383 

Quatrain. — Our Coronation .... 385 
Snyder's Horse 385 



Page. 
"Those Who Drank Are Dead". 386 
"More are the Children of the 

Desolate Than the Children 

of the Married Wife" 388 

The Popular Verdict 390 

The Christian's Home 391 

Gethsemene — A Sacred Ode... 392 
A Tribute— To "Boots" McDer- 

mott 393 

Days of Boyhood 394 

Dewey's Victory, No. 2, May 1, 

1898 395 

The Union Cause 396 

Addenda 398 

The Twentieth Century 398 

The Husband— Man 400 

The Railroad Man 401 

Illustration — "Railroad Men". . 
What Shall We Do With Our 

Boys? 403 

The Man on the Road 405 

Lives of Rich Men — With 

Apologies to Longfellow .... 407 

God Defends the Right 409 

A Home of My Own 410 

Boys, Avoid Cigarette Smoking. 411 

To Live Is Grand 412 

Calls 412 

The Common School, The Peo- 
ples' Alma Mater 414 

U Men Would Only Rise 415 

The Aristocrat 416 

Wanted— A Man 418 

The Pilgrim's Return 419 

The Roundhouse — A Ra'ilroad 

Poem 420 

It Is Well 421 

New Version of "Columbia" . . 422 

A Woman Is Always In It 423 

What Commands Re'spect 425 

Our Latter Day 426 



Page. 
Wiiy Don't They Do It Now? 

Song 427 

An Evening View — From 
Heights of "Styling Terrace" 428 

Life In Our Day 430 

New Version of "The Man With 

the Hoe 430 

Owe No Man Anything 432 

Religion 433 

The British-Boer War 434 

Progress 435 

My Poor Sick Boy 436 

A Tr'ibute to Queen Victoria, 

Obiit. Jan. 22d, 1901 438 

Forgiveness 438 

Mrs. Nation — In Her Role as 

Joint-Smasher 439 

A Vision Sublime 440 

Language 442 

"The Fighting Tenth" 443 

Many Roads 445 

Our Heritag-e — A National Song 445 

The River of Life 446 

The Rose of Sharon 447 

The Heroes of the Nation 448 

"Oh That Men Will Put An En- 
emy Into Their Mouths to 
Steal Away Their Brains." — 

Shakespeare 450 

Men, How Do You Treat Your 

Wives? 450 

Lad'ies, How Do You Treat 

Your Men? 452 

New Version of No. 360 in Re- 
formed Hymnal 454 



Page. 
New Version of "Hold the 

Fort" 454 

I Want to Be Something 455 

Am'er.ica's The Land of Corn.. 456 

The Young Ladies' Pledge 458 

Home's Joy 459 

New Version of "Coronation" . . 460 

A Railroad Hymn 461 

"The Price" 

The Children 463 

The Mount of Hindrances 465 

They Told Me Thou Hadst Gone 467 

Man's Aspirations 469 

Elijah at Mount Horeb 470 

Eden's Bowers 471 

Life's Joys — A Sonnet 472 

The Golden Gem 472 

An Epistle to Miss — Now 

Dead 473 

Love and Friendship 474 

Fall of Carthage 476 

Kmdne&s 478 

Lights and Shadows 479 

Mons Deorum — Mount of the 

Gods 480 

Womanly Virtues 481 

The Fatherland 483 

The Moth'er of To-day 483 

Vale 487 

Memoranda — Marriages 488 

Memoranda — Births 489 

Memoranda — Deaths 490 

Important Happenings in My 

Life 491 





CHAS, KANE, 



TWENTIETH 

CENTURY POEMS 



ON 
MISCELLANEOUS TOPICS 



BY 

CHi^RLES KANE, 
AUTHOR. 



]V1XJRRYSVILLE, FA. 

ILLUSTRATED. 



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AUTHOR'S PREFACE. 



It is of very little use to write a preface nowadays, as the 
majority of readers pass it entirely over, and dive into the body 
of the work. Is there any use for the publication of more 
books? We answer there is and always will be. Every age 
must have its own peculiar literature. What swayed the 
minds of the multitude a century ago, is now relegated to 
obscurity. As the world moves along, new men with new 
ideas, new national conditions must perforce give rise to a new 
and living literature. Men in this busy and practical age of 
the world have no time to delve into the musty tomes of the 
past or ramble through the graveyards of Ancient authors who 
are only occasionally consulted. 

Then each age must be known for its own distinctive acts 
and possibilities. The great authors of the past are retained 
on our shelves as household idols because of their former value 
and reputation. Few readers wish to wade through such stuff 
as Moore's ''Loves of the Angels," Pope's Essay on "Criticism" 
or on "Man," Milton's 'Taradise Lost," Dante's 'Tnferno," or 
even peruse the immortal Shakespeare. 

We have not taken any author as our model or followed 
any style of composition. We have taken many ideas from 
authors ancient and modern, and from the current events of the 
times. We have not received encouragement from the press 
or from any other sources. But of this we complain not. 
We believe in Burn's couplet modified : 

"Honor and fame from no (low) condition rise; 
Act well your part, there all the honor lies." 

We have written for the common people, for the American 
home and fireside — taking no account of connoisseurs or liter- 
ary trimmers, who always stand ready to condemn. Pope's 
couplet may show them their intrinsic value: 

"Some can for neither wits nor critics pass 
As heavv mule is, neither horse nor ass." 



4 AUTHOR'S PREFACE. 

We believe in a literature that will improve the mind and 
strengthen the morals, 

The work of building is our own, 
''From turret to foundation stone." 

Our work has been written principally in our maturer 
years on lessons drawn from real life. We have kept the 
pages clean. Our aim has been at least, to do some good to 
those who are passing through life's journey. 

Yours truly, 

CHAS. KANE. 



THE AMERICAN SPIRIT. 
THE, AMERICAN SPIRIT. 



If "to be a Roman was greater than a King," how much greater 
is American citizenship. 

Throw your foreign author for a while away, 
Over which you have studied many a day, 
Who has lived and written o'er the ocean's tide. 
Who in American Authors took little pride. 
Their works are living, the author's dead ; 
Of them we would have kind things be said ; 
To add our mite to American 'fame, 
Shall be our desire, end and aim. 

Neither envy nor jealousy reigns in our breast, 
Nor are we of arrogance much possessed ; 
But we rest content in our simple way, 
To let others differ with us if they may. 
If they have a niche in the temple of fame, 
We would not detract from honored name. 
If we have but one talent, we rest content. 
Thanking merciful heaven for what is sent. 

Take up an author to fame unknown. 
Who sits at the stool of the masters gone ; 
Who may be imbued with heaven's fire, 
But does not to Parnassian heights aspire. 
Who speaks of things humble and sublime, 
Points out facts and fates of the present, time, 
So that the busiest man lessons may read. 
Thus in considering may take heed. 

Homely facts may seem to the student vain, 
By storing them up, we knowledge gain. 
If rhetoric don't my writings control, 
You'll find they have a body and soul. 
Plainness of speech is what we seek, 
And to mean something when we speak. 
While we may not speak with the words of a seer, 
You will agree, my meaning is clear. 

Take up an author, read something new. 

Whose Americanism rings ever true ; 

Who believes in her principles heart and soul. 



MY AIM IN WRITING. 

Her "Charter of Liberty" as a whole : 
Her spirit of enterprise, learning great, 
That will eclipse every foreign State. 
Be my tribute of praise to my native land, 
Till my pen in weakness falls from my hand. 

Do not talk of a marble sculptured hall. 
Where each celebrity is niched in the wall. 
Where some four hundred may have a place, 
While those outside can have no space. 
Let my honored niche be the human heart, 
A warmer receptacle and a part 
Of enduring fame which will ever last, 
When earth with cycles of ages is past. 

If heaven has aided my muse to inspire ; 

Or dropped into my soul its hallowed fire; 

If a thought I have written, a word have said, 

Shall revive some mortal, now almost dead ; 

If a being oppressed with sin and strife. 

Shall upward look, lead a better life, 

I shall rest satisfied dropping my pen, 

Knowing my words shall live in the hearts of men. 



MY AIM IN WRITING. 



The ''Pittsburg Times" in commenting upon the fall of Oscar 
Wilde and the obscurity of his book, says : "The books 
and plays they write are as deadly to the moral health, as 
a pestilence is killing to the body." 

I have aimed thro' all my writings. 

To abstain from what is mean, 
Indecent, impure or revolting, — 

To keep the pages clean. 
In what is healthful, pure and wholesome, 

I have always aimed to find, 
Suf^cient to occupy my pages, 

And busy keep my mind. 



MY AIM IN WRITING. 

There's life and health in moral books, 

And such to-day we need ; 

But the poisoned plays of literature, 

Are what some people read. 

The deadly asp-like sting of venom, 

May be clad in syntax fine ; 

And the face of abomination. 

May wear a golden shine. 

Genius diseased must ignoble turn, 

To baseness mean and vile, 

While catering to the vulgar crowd, 

Perhaps to win their smile. 

They may deck the manners of a monkey. 

With deceitfulness of brass ; 

But he wears despite their trimmings. 

The morals of an ass. 

I Avould not defile the King's pure English, 

Or make unduly haste, 

To tickle the low substratum crowd, 

Who have perverted taste. 

I would not morality dishonor, 

B}^ either word or pen ; 

Nor use the mask of pure deception, 

Upon our fellow men. 

Down with the infamous "Oscar Wildes," 

Who publicly parade. 

Their noxious plays of obscenity, 

For gains that may be made. 

Putting on the garb of indecency. 

May for a moment win; 

But I never knew of successful infamy. 

Or tinsel-gilted sin. 

Unhappily there are imitators, 
Who ply dishonest trade, 
In aping vile and low-bred buzzards. 
Who appear on dress parade. 
Those who indecency parade, 
Of low or high sounding name. 
Should be heavily sat down upon. 
And made to feel the shame. 



DEDICATION. 

When we tamper with good morals, 

'Tis as a burning coal, 

That will turn to plague its author, 

Leaving stain upon the soul. 

We can never clothe impurity, 

In swaddling bands so nice. 

But it bears the nose and ear-marks, 

Of its known parent vice. 

Let me then so write this volume, 

That generations hence, 

That if men say he had no genius. 

He had some common sense. 

And I would now sound the tocsin. 

Against what is impure 

In science, art or literature. 

For cleanness must, endure. 

Quatrain — The pen. 

There is a latent powder potent seen in the written word. 
Whose majestic power is greater than the mighty sword: 
A man may rule with a rod of iron his subject fellow men. 
But may be a dismal failure when taking up his pen. 



DEDICATION— Docendo Discimus.' 



Miscellaneous poems on various topics. 

We wish to present a small volume. 
Whose teachings shall be true ; 
Sweet as the breath of the morning. 
And fresh as the fallen dew. 
Refreshing to the weary sprit ; 
Glowing with ideas warm. 
To which may old and young take heed. 
Without the remotest harm. 

As the genial glow of the morning sun, 
Brings life to the frozen earth' 
So the reader may find some worthy fact. 
To cheer the domestic hearth. 



DEDICATION. 

Where the ruddy children round may gather, 
While some monitor may read 
Some ennobling lines by the author, 
Which they in after life may heed. 

The noblest ideas ever penned. 

Are in simple language fraught; 

The greatest thoughts of the ancient masters 

Are thus in plainness taught. 

Thro' all the tomes of erudition, 

The fact that is made plain. 

Is more admired than themes abstuse 

From which is little gain. 

To make an acceptable volume for all, 
We do not believe that we can ; 
The mightiest seers and prophets old, 
Were despised by their fellow man. 
But to know the right and do the right, 
As we are given it to know. 
By the omiscient power divine, 
Is our province here below. 



We present life thro' a Kaleidoscope, 

Where are varied images seen ; 

But we still must paint the pleasures of hope, 

In living colors and green. 

Why should we portray the gloomy side 

Of the mountain high of care? 

We never can entertain a thought, 

Of yielding to dread despair. 

Let us lightly nurse our calamities, 

Thus sever the Gordian Knot, 

That keeps us bound with sorrow's chain. 

Be happy with what we got. 

For the mountains of misery piled up high, 

Will be easier to ascend. 

If our eyes but soar to the upper sky. 

Midst the constellations trend. 

Tho' the goddess of fortune walks your way, 
Her favor on yOu showers. 
Be not o'ermuch elated or o'ermuch proud. 
Lest you fall from her lofty towers. 



10 'PITCAIRN." 

Careless plodding along will never do ; > 
Reach for a higher estate ; 
Walk in the good old way of virtue, 
For life is noble and great. 

Tliank we God for the fount of inspiration, 
The power to think and indite ; 
To bring living coals from the forge of heaven, 
With a glowing pen to write. 
Then let us constantly try to live. 
So that at last we may feel, 
''Our words do breathe, our thoughts do burn," 
And sec;ire high heaven's seal. 



PITCAIRN." 



Named after Robert Pitcairn, Superintendent of the Western 
Division of the P. R. R. 

On Turtle Creek's dull sluggish stream, 
On steep heights which it surround, 
And on the low adjacent valleys. 
Stands this modern railroad town. 
The story of the Ancient Cyclops who 
Worked for Vulcan is small, 
Compared to the giant enterprise 
Carried forward now at Wall. 

The ancient worthies never dreamed, 
Nor could they with prophet's vision see. 
The marvelous wonders of Art and Science. 
That we behold in nineteen hundred and three. 
The swift-winged god old Mercury, 
WHio through the clouds did bound, 
Was not in it with the harnessed lightning, 
That in few seconds goes the world around. 

Great steel bands span the Continent, 
Wireless messages in well-directed chase, 
Send their important information to 
Great liners that upon the ocean race. 



LTFE-No. 1. :11 

'Have we the letters Cadmus gave?" 
Behold a greater now is here; », .■ 

The expert stenographic reporter, 
Invades earth's every sphere. 

While aerial chariots may not plow, 
The upper currents of the air, 
Soon some master mind of science, 
Will on wings be moving there, 
And in the no great distant future 
Science will still greater wonders bring. 
When men may renew their youth and vigor 
At the waters of some new 'Tierian Spring." 

Now we draw this as a corollary: 

Knowledge has to all nations spread, 

That inventions now considered useful, 

Are small compared to those ahead. 

Soon "Uncle Sam" with his endless chain, 

:May distribute his sacks of mail, 

Over each hill, valley and plain. 

Thro' the length and breadth of his domain, j 

With the rushing- speed of the gale. | 



There sounds the whistle — ten thousand 
Workmen all point out and indicate. 
This is an industrial center, I. 

That is of importance very great. 
Those splendid workshops will be greater ; 
Here are good schools and churches found ; 
Here's seen the true American spirit ; 
Pitcairn is a prosperous town. 



Motor power. 



June 3, 1903. 



LIFE— No. I. 



Thou essence co-eternal 
With the Infinite of days. 
Thou art occult, mysterious, 
Who hath known thy ways? 
Enkindled, extinguished, yet renewed ; 
A flame that burns unsubdued. 



1^ MINDS OF OLD. 

To what point shall we trace thee, 
From what distant clime? 
From the ancient shores of Lethe, 
Or beyond the dawn of time. 
Hath come this vital spark eternal ? 
It was, is not, and yet supernal. 
Whence doth this substance come or go? 
Our answer is we do not know. 



^: 



Life — No. 2. 

Life is like a sea of troubles; 

O'er its stormy billows rise, 

Many "empty floating bubbles, 

Enchanting to the eyes. 

We start out in life's clear morning, 

Our guide is Hope's bright ray ; 

We, no future ills foreseeing, 

N'or blight of future day. 

The present genial sunshine. 

Illumes your sky, dear friend, and mine. 

But if our friends or sunshine fail. 

By an early unpropitious gale. 

Remember this maxim always true ; — 

There are some in closer straits than vou. 



MINDS OF OLD— Earlier Productions. 



My hours are spent in deep reflection 

On the mighty mtinds of old; 

Their thoughts me furnish meditation. 

Their wisdom I unfold. 

Trophies of thought pure and refined, ^ 

Are rich as jewels to the mind; 

More rich than gems of gold. 

With my moiety of learning sought, 

With them cannot conceive a thought. 

Ho'W great, how vast these minds of old 

Imparting rays of light, ' 

More precious than the dust of gold; 

Or clfaimonds polished bright. 

I cherish their exalted name, 



EQUITY. 13 

Their genius burns in glowing flarne ; . . 
To peruse them's my delight. 
And with them gain an humble place, . 
That fleeting time may not erase. 

We speak of minds most noble, just, 

Whose memory can't be turned to dust, 

Nor yet wax dim with years ; 

Mental powers clog and rust. 

Inanimate clay cannot confine 

The wondrous powers of the mind; 

It live forever must. 

In convolutions plants turn, 

But minds of old in splendor burn. 



EiQUITY— Earlier Productions. 



All o'er creation's boundless fields • 

Her places of renown 

Her bulwarks mighty great that shields 

The subject and the crown 

I traversed far and wide to see — 

To find a court called "Equity" -^ 

I sought it up and sought it down 

Amidst all these could not be found. 

I sought to find this "Golden Fleece" 
In courts of high renown ; 
And. in humbler halls of justice. 
But still could not be found. 
Our statutes are good laws, you see. 
But law with justice don't agree. 
Where doth sit Equity, we cry, . ;\. 
And pause and wait for a reply? 



HOME. 

Though we may roam in foreign land. 
Tread in a stranger's clime. 
Will not the memory of the past 
Come rapping at the mind ? 
And tho' we drift o'er many seas, 



H ' ].AND OF THE' WEST. 

Be battered .by their foam, 

See all the world's varied hues, 

No place so dear as home. 

And tho' we walk earth's many isles, 

Of pleasure's joyous strand ; 

Gain -'Dame Fortune's" golden smiles,^ 

And favors on each hand ; 

Still recollections nCar the heart, ; 

Back to our minds will come, 

Of youth's" unripened busied years,' 

Spent in our childhood's home. 

We may sair thro' distant oceans, ■ 

Calm or propitious breeze ; 

Or to sorne, congenial climate, 

Within the tropic seas ; 

But yet the. past associations, 

Will thronging to us come ; 

Oft. we dwell in retrospection, 

In the old forsaken hom^. 

It matters not where'er we roam. 

The mind will build a house called home. 



LAND OF THE WEST. 



Land df the great unbounded West, 

I love thy tranquil shore ; 

Her people more than monarchs blest- 

Her greatness I adore. 

Then proudly let her banner wave. 

Land of the brave and free, 

Whose power doth the people raise. 

Whose temple's Liberty. •■■ 



A BROKEN HEART. 



A broken and forsaken heart. 

Is like the autumn rose, 

That's stricken with the early frost, 

And no renewing knows. 

Fled from it has all cheerfulness. 



"POETA NASCLTUR NON FIT." 15 

Its beauty did depart ; 

Its tender boug-hs hang wilting down, 

And feels the piercing dart. 

So it is with a broken heart 

Oppressed with grief and woes ; 

It becomes inactive and inert, 

And no reviving knows. 

But pierced by sad misfortune's shaft, 

It turns to quick decay ; 

Naught but moans and anguish left : 

Poor heart how sad thv wav ! 



'POETA NASCITUR NON FIT."— A Poet Is Born Not 

Made. 

Poeta nascitur-non fit, 

An ancient adage of much wit. 

Thus it has been by sages said, ^ ^ 

A poet is born and not made ; ' 

The vital flood the lava iire. 

That doth his being all inspire, 

Must bend his thoughts so that they flow. 

In meter swift or current slow. 

His nature must be pure refined, 

With genius, taste and skill combined. 

So that he can in nature see. 

Her varied forms of poetry. 

He must look forth, above, abroad. 

Thro' nature up to nature's God ; 

And must the upper chambers tread. 

Where common mortals fear and dread. 

Hence it has been truly said, 

'*A poet is born and not made," 

Kind heaven must its goodness share. 

Its incense and its hallowed air; 

Mother natures pure quintessence take, 

The poet true to mold and make. ^ 



16 ,THE WQRKINGMAK. 

THE WORKINGMAN. 



Respectfully inscribed to the Working-men of the United 
States. Labor omnia vincet. 

All honor to the workingman, 
The bone and sinew of the land ; 
By steady work and patient toil, 
He takes a living from the soil ; 
The earth by labor's steady blows, 
Is made to blossom as the rose. 
He is the peer of best on earth, 
Great kings and princes own his worth. 

He delves down deep into the mine, 
Where diamonds black in plenty shine ; 
Invading nature's hidden store. 
He bringeth forth the golden ore. 
By forge and fire he works by day. 
And night, resounding with the play 
Of steam and whistle, bustle noise 
Of million brawny men and boys. 
Brings forth its products neatly done, , 
For every land beneath the sun. 

The ships that plow the mighty main, 
(Here genius does the work ag-ain,) 
Are built and rigged by labor's skill, 
And commerce moves around at will, 
All honor to the skillful hand, 
That sails the sea, or tills the land. 

When rude oppression sought our shore, 
And foreign hordes did on us pour, 
The laborer-soldier drove them back. 
And left sweet freedom in their track. 
Our union great that oceans span. 
Owes all to the poor workingman. 

Ye powers at home or foreign crown 
Cease trampling the wage-worker down 
Cease to tyrannize and control 
And let him, at least, own his soul. 
If you don't he will rise in might 
And hurl you down from powers height. 



''YE OLDEN TIME.'- 17 

See the workingman of every age, 
Shine brightest far on history's page. 
The greatest prophet that we know, 
Received his calling at the plow ; 
And the log-cabin boys have sent, 
To fill the place of President. 

All honor to the workingman 

With giant arm and brawny hand ; 

He must yet rule on earth's domains. 

For labor of the hand or brains, 

Can't be dispensed, no more than laws, 

And serves the most prudential cause. • 

Brethren of wealth, and means secure. 
Do not despise the worthy poor. 
Perhaps in some small hamlet reigns 
The youth of genius and of brains, 
Inured to toil, v^ho yet may be 
The ruler. of a nation's destiny. 



"YE OLDEN time; 



Well do old folks remember, 
As an}^ one may know, 
What our parents used to wear, 
Some fifty years ao-o. 
it was woolsey-linsey here. 
It was linsey-woolsey there, 
And common living everywhere 
In ye good old Democratic times 
O'f some fifty years ago. 

The living was not quite so fine, 

Nor did they make such show ; 

The "board" was well supplied with wine, 

And to "Inns" did people go. 

It was corn-dodgers here, 

It was buck-wheats over there ; 

And the product of the "stiller," 

Was welcomed everywhere 

In ye good old Democratic times 

O'f some fifty years ago. 



18 "YE OLDEN TIME." 

The dear buxom, bonny lasses, 
Were loving, cheerful, bright ; 
Quite few put on their glasses, 
Their rouge, or **lily-white/' 
It was "scutching" parties here. 
It was "quilting" parties there. 
Tipping the light fantastic toe 
Was quite proper everywhere 
In ye good old Democratic times 
O'f some fifty years ago. 

Ol-d "King Cotton" reigned supreme 

O'er his darkies in the pen ; 

And he sold and bartered daily 

In the souls and lives of men. 

It was "freedom" up here, 

It was "slavery" down there, 

And the everlasting "Nigger" 

Caused trouble everywhere 

In ye good old Democratic times 

Of some fifty years ago. 

Let us now turn to our bankers — 

Our money furthermore ; 

The late revised "Detector," 

Had a place in every store. 

It was "wild-cat" money here, 

"Shinplasters" over there ; 

Five to ten per cent "discounting," 

Was common everywhere 

In ye good old Democratic times 

O'f some fifty years ago. 

But thanks to a kind providence, 
We live in better times, 
When "fiat" money don't go 
In dollars and in dimes. 
It is money sound up here, 
It is money sound down there ; 
But a reversal of administration 
Causes trouble everywhere 
In the year of grace, 1895. 



'YE OLDEN TIME." 19 



We have an era of good feeling 
Between the North and South 
And men discussing politics 
Don't dread a broken mouth. 
It is freedom up here, 
It is freedom down there, 
And a re-united union 
While one flag is everywhere 
In the year o'f grace, 1903. 



Motto of Gen. — Twice President of the United States. "Ask 
for nothing but what is right." 

"Ask for nothing but what is right," 

(Submit to nothing wrong,) 

Was the watchword of a statesman, 

That made him great and strong, 

He towered up as the mountain high, 

And there recorded his name, 

Which stands to-day in the upper sky, 

On the pinnacle of fame, 

Inured to poverty and toil, 

He became a soldier true ; 

He loved his land, his native soil, 

And fought its battles through. 

By friends beloved — by foes revered, 
He was chosen to make the laws 
Of the nation to which he adhered, 
And fought in the righteous cause. 
The war of 18 and 12 came on. 
And the hero^ of wars before. 
Longed for employment in the field, — 
His country's cause once more. 

Great Britain's fleet came thundering up, 

And opened a murderous fire ; 

But our patriot's valor and strategy too, 

Soon forced them to retire. 

He reared his fort of cotton bales 

On the Mississippi's plain ; 

Soon victory perched upon him. 

New Orleans was safe again. 



20 THE FOURTH OF MARCH. 

For his valiant conduct in the field, 

His countrymen claimed the right 

To place him twice in the President's chair 

The Nation's greatest height. 

We thus see the fortune of a boy, 

Who was honest, firm and true. 

Whom the country delights to honor ; 

But his name — can be guessed by you. 



THE FOURTH OF MARCH— "Inauguration Day.' 



The fourth of March will come and go, 

With its rain and mud — its slush and snow, 

In this our very uncertain clime, 

The fourth of March is, "inapropos" time, 

To travel hundreds of miles away 

To see the sights of inauguration day. 

Yet the dear people, as you may know. 
Are all expectant to see the show ; 
•What matters the storm, the wind or rain. 
The elephant's there with all his train ; 
What matters the rush, the jam or squeeze, 
The people, you know, enjoy the ''breeze." 

When ''Uncle Sam" set up for himself. 
He was poor in worldly goods or pelf ; 
He robed not in royalty grand or dim, 
A modest president suited him; 
Acquiring this habit in an earl}^ day, 
It grew upon him and came to stay. 

And ever since the custom has been, 
One"regime" goes out, another comes in; 
The American Eagle wakes from his dream, 
And utters a loud and piercing scream ; 
And Uncle Sam with his musical chin, 
Talks of taking the continents in. 

Will not our legislators great. 

Who guide the grand old ship of State, 

Grant a permanent change — a later day, 



THE GOOD SAMARITAN. 21 

To take in the town, if they feel that way, 
And then a hundred thousand strong, 
Shall march the president right along. 

Here wealth and beauty, fashion, pride, 
Gayly attired, march side by side ; 
Must shake his paw and make him a call, 
And see the president at the ball. 
Partisan bitterness now is o'er. 
Until renewed in four years more. ^ 



THE GOOD SAMARITAN. 



In sacred story annals^ 
One of which we read. 
There lived a good Samaritan, 
Who did a noble deed 
To him of neither race nor kin ; 
But bore him to a friendly Inn. 

Who then is my worthy brother? 
That man of friendship true, 
AVho seeing his neighbor suffering. 
Seeks out some good to do ; 
And never stops to count the cost, 
Knowing such deeds are never lost. 



'THE MELANCHOLY DAYS"— New Version. 



The melancholy days are come, 
The rains are falling down ; 
And nature's face of late so gay, 
Is darkened by a frown. 
The toughest kind of mud abounds. 
And gloom hangs over all ; 
While nature sits in sullen tears, 
Enshrouded in a pall. 

When I muse of pleasant spring-time, 
I stop to heave a sigh. 
To think this maid of beauty. 
Was only born to die. 



■22 THE DOLLAR OF OUR DADDIES. 

Now pallid autumn reigns supreme, 
The rose has left her cheek ; 
When she freezes up your whiskers, 
Her pallor makes you shriek. 

Nature has her compensations, 
Though some are '*wet" and "dry ;" 
Each can take his glass of cider, 
And eat his pumpkin pie. 
And some old corn-fed turkey, 
Perhaps he knows it not, 
May take to himself a ''tumble," 
And land right in the pot. 

'Tis now I think of John Reform, 

Who office vainly sought ; 

It so happened that the other fellow, 

The snug position got, 

But let us cease our murmuring, 

Bring out some timely cheer ; 

Be thankful for what the seasons bring. 

And thus conclude the year. 



THE DOLLAR OF OUR DADDIES. 



The dollar of our daddies, 
'Tis a mighty fine thing; 
And had I plenty of them 
I'd feel rich as any king. 
But somehow or other. 
As any one can see, 
Of this filty lucre, 
My pocket-book is free. 

But when I reach to grasp it, 

Tho' active I may be. 

It quickly slips my digits, 

Like the Irishman's flea. 

But there's one thing I abhor, 

It runs against my will, 

To see the other fellow have it, 

Locked up safely in his till. 



THE MAN WITHOUT A PAKTY. 23 

I pity the poor sinner 

Who has it in his grip, 

But like a hot potato, 

He quickly lets it slip. 

When some other miser gets it, — 

The poor stingy deil 

Pinches it so tightly, 

He makes the eagle squeal. 

The dollar of our daddies. 
Though not worth its face. 
To own a hundred thousand, 
Is considered no disgrace. 
But the chap that gets them, 
By whatever plan, 
The world gives him credit. 
As a very smart man. 

Let us have at least a few 
To buy our daily bread. 
So that the group of children, 
May be housed and fed. 
The dollar of our daddies, 
Great many ends will meet ; 
The man that is bare-footed. 
Can put shoes upon his feet. 

When you get it, grow or prosper. 
Be filled not with deceit ; 
We find it the best passport, 
Or friend that we can meet. 
But let us stop this racket ; 
Each one pursue some plan. 
Tho' you never may get rich. 
To get the most you can. 



THE MAN WITHOUT A PARTY. 

The man without a party. 

How beautiful he stands ; 

The cynosure of every eye, 

The marching columns pass him by; 



24 THE MAN AVITHOUT A PARTY. 

In dreadful solitude he reigns, 

Like a child that long has wandered. 

Away from its mother's side, 

Like a fragile bark surf-beaten. 

And stranded by the tide, 

This modern Solon in his wisdom, 

Sees fit to stand aloof ; 

For one party wears the horns, 

And the other shows the hoof. 

One old party had its Jackson, 

And another" had its Clay, 

A third had Victoria WoodhuU — 

Like the fathers — where are they? 

Echo only answers where, 

But yet the world doesn't care. 

Not a quarter century ago. 

We had our great St. John ; 

But like the glimmering igiiis-fatuus, 

Has old Prohibition gone. 

The two grand old parties. 

That have for generations stood, 

While they may have committed errors. 

Have done the nation good. 

But on the past we shall not dwell. 

For victories must in future tell. 

Our civilization must have parties, 

To reforms bring about ; 

For when one commits excesses. 

The other drives it out. 

In what place shall we find a party 
Without reproach or stain? 
We ransack all history's pages, 
And find our search in vain.. 
Our statutes may be wronged by men, 
But justice outraged will right again. 
We cannot then desert a party. 
Because some the right won't do ; 
Those who triumph in unjustice. 
Will soon pass away from view. 



RETROSPECTION. 25 



When a party ceases to be useful, 
We should promptly pass it by ; 
For having outlived its usefulness, 
It should be consigned to die. 



RETROSPECTION. 



Alas, how oft unbidden, 

Will the thinking streamlet flow. 

When in retrospective glances, 

The years of long ago. 

Bring back scenes long departed ; 

Quite oft to me it seems, 

I behold my angel mother. 

In many passing dreams. 

In the homestead old departed. 
Where spent my youthful years, 
Life aglow with anticipations, 
Unmixed with future fears, 
I still behold my sainted mother. 
As I knelt beside her chair ; 
And repeated as she taught me, 
A childish infant prayer. 

Tho' life has brought its burden. 
And years have come with cares, 
-- On the brow that once was raven, 
%• • Has appeared the silver hairs, 
. Yet would I were a boy again, 
' And for a moment meet 
The now broken family circle ; 
My joy would be complete. 

As we drive along life's pathway, 
Partake its transient cheer. 

The thoughts of home and mother 

May we evermore revere. 
^ Pray let us still remember. 

Our mother's infant prayer; 

And when in heaven we nreet her, 
,.;,i ^Repeat it with her there. ^ 



26 MOMENTS. 

MOMENTS. 



There are moments of sorrow and moments of pain. 

Moments when life seems wholly in vain ; 

When, us, burdens of suffering seem to o'ertake — 

Hearts down-cast almost ready to break. 

We discern a glimmer of hope in the sky, 

And darkness gives way when the clouds pass by. 

Earth has no disease but there is some cure, 

And the darkest of nights can't always endure ; 

Soon the stars shining bright in beauty display. 

The coming in of the full-orbed day. 



A MEMENTO. 



Yea, tenderly we cherished him, 
But when the spring-time fair, 
Brought forth its feast of flowers, 
Our darling was not there. 
Yea, tenderly we laid him low. 
Beneath the frozen sod ; 
With tears our hearts did overflow, — 
We gave him back to God. 

— In memory of the author's son. 



QUATRAIN— The Pen^No. 2. 



A man may inherit riches, extensive wide domains, 

Be plastered o'er with titles, yet have very little brains ; 

He may wear the brand and dollar mark of very wealthy men 

Yet, may be an ignoramus when he tries to wield the pen. 



QUATRAIN. 

"Men purpose, but God doth dispose" — "La gente pone, y Dios 
disponso." 

Men may plan their campaigns with the greatest skill ; 
Dispute every inch of ground with a determined will, 
Sweep down like an avalanche upon opposing foes, 
'Tis nought. "Men may purpose but God doth dispose." 



EVOLUTION. 27 

EVOLUTION. 



In this age of evolution, 

In this time of mighty seers, 

Occult wisdom is unfolded. 

Which had dormant lain for years, 

Some of the world's later sages, 

In speaking of their plan. 

Tell us it took myriads of ages, 

To evolute a man. 

Where is Newton, Milton, Luther? 
Thrown deep into the shade 
By these inspired literati, 
Which the latter days have made. 
Law-maker Moses made his blunders; 
His burning bush of flame 
Is robbed of its poetic splendors; 
Nought is left us but the name. 

On what mount were these transfigured? 

Did Jupiter or fiery Mars 

Flash celestial light upon them, 

Or some other leading stars? 

What if Beecher did believe it. 

Or is taught by great divines ; 

Give me the grand old volume. 

Where greater wisdom shines. 

They tell us of an after probation 

Of hypocrites below, 

Who sought the shades of Hades, 

And did no cleansing know. 

Oh, erudite professor learned. 

In tomes of mystic art ; 

Your learnings turned to foolishness, 

Perverted is your heart. 

The soul unto death that sinneth, 
We know shall surely die ; 
This great decree of heaven, 
Hath been given from on higrh. 



MORAL FORCES. 

Yet, in that mysterious region, 
We can't divine by whom — 
Stands the modern sma,rt; professor. 
And swings the cleansing broom. \\ 

Let us then be truly thankful. 
Though living. in a, line 
Of great ancestral monkies, . 
We are truly doing fine. 
Though it took a thousand years 
Or more to evolute a man. 
We feel just .as safe and happy, , 
Resting in the good old plan. - 



A quatrain — VBett^e'r late than never." 
''Mas vale tarde que hunca." 

"Better late than never,'' but better never late ; 
What v/ill it availyou when closed is the gate 
Against ypi-i t^^i*o' which you aimed to climb, 
To the mountain of success upon the map of time? 



MORAL FORCES. 



The world admires its warriors" 

From distant times remote; 

Its g-rand illustrious generals, 

Who foes in battle smote. 

The world 'always worshipped heroes, 

At home or in the field; 

Erected have been triumphal arches, 

To the man who wouldn't yield: '■■' 

In the days of inquisition, ■'" ' 

The fagot andThe stake, ' 

Were great persuasi¥e"arguments. 

To converts quickly make, 

And even in" reformation times; " ■ 

To differ was to die ; •- 

The lurid flames that lit the martyrs-^ 

Rose as a light on hieh.- ^ • ^ 



"IMPERFECTION." 29. 

To illiimiiie future ages, 
And dispel the gloom of night, / '.'''/, 

The centuries dark pages, 
Became gradually more bright. . ' ''. 

Thus appeared the bow of promise,' '" ' 
On the heaven's arc divine ; 
Read: 'Tn hoc signo vinces," 
"We shall conquer in this sign."'' , ' '.' 

Oh, hark the din of sounding battle, ".' 
The boom of cannon's roar; '.,' 

'Tis but the sound of printing presses, 
Only this and nothing more,. 
That shall arouse the sleeping millions; 
The dry bones all awake ; . . . : . 

Unnumbered vast and living armies, / ! ' 
They in array shall make. 

Oh, haste the grand millennial time, .' 
The day foretold by seers; , ; 

Swords be made into pruning hooks, 
To plow-shares shall be spears. 
Arouse ye moral conquering heroes, 
March on the enemy's towers ; 
And tho' the struggle may be long,' 
Final victory shall be ours. 



'IMPERFECTION." 



The bow of promise may seem bright ' '. ,. 
To the child by misfortune driven; 
Beyond the ebon walls of night, 
Hope sees refulgent heaven." : 
The praise that's awarded genius true, 
May indeed to the mind seem pleasant ; 
The laurels that deck the conqueror's brow. 
May be wholly evanescent. 

And the rich and princely millionaire, 
By costly retinue attended. 
May not be Paradise gates so near. 
As the poor and unbefriended ; 



30 



HARVEST. 

There is not a step in the ladder of life, 
But there may be one that's lower ; 
And the tyrant autocrat of to-day, 
May to-morrow be out of power. 

The radiant dawn of a better day, 
In the distance may seem nearer; 
When dense darkness giveth way. 
The horizon is much clearer. 
For the fabled fount of life and youth, 
We have a cleansing one that's higher ; 
Where age puts on perpetual bloom, 
To which all our aims aspire. 

There is never a time for dark despair, 
Tho' threatening clouds may lower; 
And engulfing billows seem everywhere, 
So that you may seem in their power. 
Cheer up sad soul, walk in duty's way. 
Do not sad misery borrow ; 
Tho' threatening storms surround you to-day, 
There's a rift in the clouds to-morrow. 

The midnight sun may illume the skies, 
Where our guardian angels hover ; 
And the fount of life may be so near. 
That its source we may not discover. 
Away beyond time's surging floods. 
Behold the celestial portal ; 
And we clasp the hand of the loving one, 
That gives us a crown immortal. 



HARVEST. 

The mowing and reaping is now going on 
In the midst of ten thousand fields ; 
Beneath the heat of a tropical sun, 
The earth her harvest yields. 
Old Ceres hath in profusion strewn, 
O'er hill and valley and plain ; 
Thick as the stars in the upper sky, 
Are the shocks o'f the golden grain. 



HARVEST. 31. 

The sickle of Boaz is heard as of yore, 

On Bethlehem's hillside or plain, 

When Ruth was suffered to stay in the field, 

Gleaning a share of the grain. 

The hills of Palestine still doth bear, 

For a conquered and scattered race ; 

Times' march o'f improvement cannot be seen. 

For the Turk has control of the place. 

While freedom is dead in that down-trodden place, 

With mountains and valleys forlorn, 

Behold the bright star of the Occident, 

Where a nation of freemen was born. 

Where the triumphs of science are great. 

And wonders are everywhere seen ; 

Millions of acres are cut and tied. 

By the reaping and binding machine. 

The greatest o'f all times revolutions. 
Has been won by science and art; 
The wind and the lightning are harnessed. 
And taught to perform their part. 
Man that was once a poor galley slave. 
Knows well that ''knowledge is power;" 
For the elements yield to his touch. 
Supplying his wants every hour. 

Can anything newer be under the sun 
A former old saying and trite? 
"What man can do, can again be done." 
But can he soar to a greater height? 
The age of invention has rightly begun ; 
There is room for ten thousand more ; 
The featherless biped must yet take wings, 
Through the ether's depths to soar. 

What shall we render by way of praise. 

To that author of light so great. 

Who hath hitherto led our nation along. 

To its present exalted height? 

Come thank this kind author of good. 

From the innermost depths of the soul, 

That we in goodness and greatness advance, 

And reach our proud destiny's goal. [ 



32 DISGUISES. 

While seed-time and harvest shall come and go, 

And harvesting, never. shall cease. 

We all shall enjoy the blessings of home, ,,; 

And pray for continual peace, 

And v^hen the grim old reaper at last, 

The Lord of the harvest appears, ' 

He will gather us in to His garner above. 

To rest through the cycle of years. 



DISGUISES. 

Does friendship go out with the touch of the hand? 
Is affection beneath the smile that is bland? 
Is anything meant when we heartily take 
The hand of another, and press it and shake? 
To the querries we make, we pause for reply. 
And watch the vast throng as they hurry us by ; 
'Tis the smile and the nod, the tip and the bow, 
Greetings exchanged, we cannot tell how. 

A tradition runs down from the earliest day, 

That people don't mean one-half what they say ; 

By riper experience, we know it is true, 

They will not account for the half that they do. 

Is life's panorama, a thing real or dream? 

For sights on the surface are not what they seem, 

To detect glitter from g"old, tinsel from paint, 

Would puzzle the practical eye of a saint. 

An old maxim we think with wisdom is fraught. 
That language is made to conceal our thought ; 
We say one thing" while another we think ; 
While we talk to the one, to the other we wink. 
Why not name a thing right, call a spade a spade ; 
And a thief, a thief, in business or trade ; 
Don't parade your virtue, and hide your sin, 
A snow-white front and a serpent within. 

We read in the Grecian legends old. 

That Midas changed what he touched to gold. 

Of what he touched he could eat none. 

For his food and drink had p-old become. 



WINTER. 33 

Touch man now-a-days with gold from the mill, 
And he will assume any shape you will. 
Men are not troubled for what they do, 
Until their sins are exposed to view. 

But talk or theorize as we may, 
Deception moves on in the same old way ; 
But man is fragile, deceitful, weak, 
And we scarcely expect he off will break 
From the sins of Adam, of standing long. 
Deceits in the breast of the busy throng, 
But honor and truth in friendship's plan, 
Must show to the world the perfect man. 

Quatrain : 

"Timie reveals all things. ''Tempus omnia revelat." 

Take warning, O man, it is vain to conceal ; 
For time will your innermost acts reveal ; 
As has often been said, there is no doubt, 
But your sins and deeds will be found out. 



WINTER. 

The decree has gone forth that winter shall come 

For old Boreas shall blow; 

He comes from- his cavern in the North, 

In his chariot carries the snow. 

He covers the earth with a mantle of white. 

And his pale fair Northern bride, 

The Arctic queen — the frost so bright, 

In majesty sits by his side. 

As old "Father Time" in his onward flight. 

Rounds out the passing year. 

He sheds the frost from his hoary beard ; 

His ice and his snows appear. 

Stern winter comes in his ghastly garb, 

We sit by our fires aglow ; 

The little boy with his bran new sled, 

Hurrahs for the "beautiful snow." 



M PROFESSIONAL DEAD-BEATS, OR SHARKS. 

And tho' we cannot sail thro' the air, 

Bring out the caparisoned steed ; 

The blithe young couple cheery and fair 

Move onward at rapid speed ; 

For the heart of the lover is glad, 

As he clasps his "best girl's" hand, 

To know the time for sleighing has come. 

And the sleigh-bell is heard in the land. 

•Tho' heaven has blest our basket and store, 
'Tis more blest to give than receive ; 
Chill penury raps at the poor man's door ; 
There are wants for all to relieve. 
Let us all be thankful for mercies and gifts. 
May our hearts with charity glow; 
Then will we rejoice that the winter, 
Comes clad in his garments of snow. 



PROFEiSSIONAL DEAD-BEATS, OR SHARKS. 



Sheriff: 'T come now to make a levy on your property for 

the benefit of your creditors." 
Citizen, dead-beat : ''Mr. Sheriff, I must inform you that this 

property belongs to my wife. 

There have been sharks and dead-beats, 

Since the world was set afloat; 

There have been a class of cowards. 

Who hid behind a moat, 

But of all the most contemptible. 

On this side of heaven or hell, 

Is he who hides behind a screen; 

By his creditors cannot be seen, 

Behind a female petticoat. 

Pert Jacob of old put on disguise, 
To. gain the blessing grand ; 
Then to deceive his father's eyes. 
He reached forth Esau's hand. 
Thus acts ignoble and ingrate. 
Will still themselves perpetuate. 



PROFESSIONAL DE AD-BE Al'S, OR SHARKS. 35 

And pure deception still, I trow 
Holds a very prominent place below : — 
Good honesty stands subordinate. 

There's a hundred different ways to scale 

A just and honest debt; 

There's many a rogue, at large, unhung, 

Who should his deserts get, 

The ten thousand schemes to beat 

Are developed into an art to cheat ; 

Here science vile pursues her part, 

And what with prostituting art, 

Extremes in deviltry meet. 

The widow's mite, the orphan's fund, 

And monies held in trust, 

Have vanished as the vapory air ; 

For the bank is on a "bust." 

And waiting crowds before the door, 

Those hungry sharks, in vain implore. 

A receiver will settle by and by ; 

And five per cent, appease the cry; 

Some day later will balances adjust. 

Our ''three-hundred-dollar" statute clause, 
Is perverted into a curse ; 
For villains will buy the more because. 
It gives a chance to swindle worse. 
While I do not advocate a jail, 
Professional thieves should get no bail ; 
Their names should be posted on the street; 
''A professional villain and dead-beat," 
If in paying their bills they fail. 

That good business man is prosperous, 

Whose name and credit keep afloat ; 

But hell won't make him "pony up," 

Who hides behind a moat, 

(The top of whose castor you may view, 

You need no 'scope to read him through,) 

Of cotton-fibre, corset-steel ; 

And there he doth himself conceal, 

Behind a female petticoat. 



56 ON WHICH SIDE? 

ON WHICH SIDE? For the Attention of Young Men. 



On which side do you stand, young man? 

Which way do you trend? 

It is easy to float with the current's flow, 

It requires no genius to downward go ; 

But what shall we say of your end, young man. 

But what shall we say of your end? 

What company do you keep, young man? 

Where do you evenings spend? 

It is easy to be a loafer, you know, 

A worthless bum, as the sayings go ; 

But what shall we say of the end, young man. 

But what shall we say of the end? 

Which track do you take, young man, 

That of the wrong or the right? 

Are your words and actions all profane, 

Do you sometimes curse with might and main? 

You also take a hand in a fight ; 

But do you think this is right, young man? 

Ah, you know well it's not right. 

Where do you spend your cash, young man ? 
It is money that talks, you see. 
Does satan get the bulk of your cash? 
Are you under his whip, his spur and lash? 
What shall the end of it be, young man. 
What shall the end of it be? 

Do you sometimes gamble and drink, young man, 

Do you touch your employer's till ? 

Do you not know the transgressor's way, 

Always leads to the foot of the hill ? 

And character ruined and lost, young man. 

Cannot be regained at will. 

What volumes of books do you read, young man ? 

That which is useful and true? 

On wisdom's words do you mentall}^ feed, 

Or is trash the matter for you? 

Have you a useful life in view, young man. 

Have you a useful life in view? 



ON WHICH SIDE? 37 

In the name of religion and truth, young man, 

In the name of virtue and peace, 

Cultivate w^ell the seed-time of youth ; 

And look for a happy increase. 

If you waste your earlier years, young man. 

Soon shall opportunities cease. 

Finally, on which side do you stand, young man ? 

What to-day is your choice? 

Is your reputation of no account, 

Or wisdom's warning voice? 

Now is the accepted time, young man, 

The time to make your choice. 

Then wisely choose your course, young man, 

I entreat you not to delay ; 

It is mighty hard to retrace your steps. 

When once in the tempter's way. 

Your eternal destiny, young man, 

Depends on your choice to-day. 

There are many breakers ahead, young man, 

All tending to bear you down. 

If you continue in sin's dark way. 

And be with transgressors found. 

You will sink beneath the waves, young man. 

Their weight shall bear you down. 

If I can aid you to reach the goal, young man, 

By either petition or pen. 

To lift out of the mire a prostrate soul, 

I shall surely have gained my end 

But if entreaty is of no avail, 

I have failed to be your friend. 

There is a good and useful place, young man, 

To which you may aspire ; 

In some useful work, enroll your name 

Still aiming to be higher. 

That the world will be better because you lived, 

Is your humble friend's desire. 



38 DUTY OF THE ENLIGHTENED CITIZEN. 

DUTY OF THE ENLIGHTENED CITIZEN. 



You are an enlightened citizen, 

And yet you seldom read 

The authors of much excellence, 

N'or their instructions heed. 

Some men are acting while they live, 

While others, slow-paced seem, 

A race of poor nonentities, 

Unstable as a flitting dream. 

The great immortal Shakespeare, 

Has in his writings said, 

That the evil men are prone to do. 

Live after they are dead. 

Is life of value, worth the living? 

Well, that will much depend 

Whether your aims are truly noble, 

Or in worthless ways you trend. 

Have you just a single talent? 
There is much for you to do 
In fighting life's momentous battle, 
And pulling safely through. 
Away with drones and sluggards. 
Such the world does not need; 
Emulate some worthy person, 
And do some noble deed. 

Would you court the famed Apollo? 

Would you maxims sage indite? 

Would you win the grace of the muses, 

And songs of beauty write? 

Would you climb the ''hill of science," 

Her laurels proudly wear? 

Don't count too much on erratic genius, 

But boldly strike and dare. 

If you have not gigantic power, 

There is much 3^ou can achieve ; 

The little deeds make up life's portion, 

And entitle us to live. 

Then drink deep the fount of knowledge, 



QUATRAIN. 39 

From it true greatness springs ; 
Let not your soul be satisfied, 
With low and paltr}^ things. 

"A little learning is a dangerous thing," 

We think such is not the case; 

For Pope pretentious and pedantic, 

Was sometimes off his base. 

A man with little brains or education, 

May seem to critics small ; 

But I prefer the man of little learning. 

To the man of none at all. 



QUATRAIN— "Pons Assinorum. 



A bridge there is built, by mortals found, 
Neither above the earth nor beneath the ground 
Yet each plodding dull mortal over it passes : 
Tons assinorum — ''the bridge of asses." 



WAITING FOR MY CALL^A True Incident. 



I am waiting, I am longing. 
To hear the Master's call ; 
Old age is weary, lonely, dreary. 
And I would this life was all. 
I sit in patient waiting, 'till 
A few more days are o'er. 
When I, like a bird of passage, 
Will reach the other shore. 

Over four score years have found me 

I stand on life's decline ; 

Few and evil have been my years, 

The future life is mine. 

Do I shrink in contemplation. 

Of the change that's soon to be? 

No, I look with calm composure, 

To that land beyond the sea. 

Life is made of cares and trials ; 
But thoughts of that to come. 
Awaken all mv soul's emotion. 



40 A MEMENTO. 

To reach my future home. 

But while here I stand yet waiting, 

With one foot in the grave, 

I calmly look unto that Savior, 

Who mighty is to save. 

A few more days of waiting, 
I shall hear the Master say: 
"Come up higher, it is better 
Than to dwell in house of clay." 
Where the gladsome days of summer. 
Shall be mine for evermore, 
When like the bird of passage, I 
Have reached the other shore. 



A MEIMENTO— Written in 1886 to Parry Duff— Long Since 

Dead. 



When hoary autumn cometh on, 
And winds sigh through each tree. 
And zephyrs cool blow o'er the lawn, 
Pray then remember me. 

When dreary winter frost and snow, 
Has settled on the lea, 
And cheering parlor fires glow, 
Pray then remember 'n>" 

When spring in gorgeous robes of green, 
Perfumes the land and sea ; 
Proud Flora reigns the matron queen. 
Pray then remember me. 

When comes the lovely summer day, 
And all is life and glee. 
When life's bright hopes feel no decay. 
Pray then remember me. 

And tho' ye o'er the world may wander, 
Its woes or pleasures see ; 
But when on the past ye ponder. 
Pray sometimes think of me. 



ANTE-BELLUM DAYS. 41 

ANTE-BELLUM DAYS.— "Before the War." 



We met there and we worshipped ; 
We sang our songs of praise, 
In the unpretentious churches 
Of the ante-bellum days. 
Few were the sky-reaching steeples, 
Few the softly- cushioned pews ; 
Not so much gossiping by the people, 
Nor rehearsing of the news. 

We had no Miss Goulds or Vanderbilts, 

Dressed in ultra fashion's style, 

Who could spend five millions on a wedding, 

With a costly "Brown Stone" pile. 

Our antique dames cut no such figures, 

Nor walked in devious ways ; 

We had more sober calm demeanor. 

In the ante-bellum days. 

They were not wholly puritanic. 

Yet true piety was their's ; 

They were not ashamed of their religion. 

Or yet to kneel at prayers. 

Single-hearted, honest-minded. 

With but few deceitful ways ; 

The people then were not so wicked, 

In the ante-bellum days. 

Not the butterflies of fashion, 

Or worldlings filled the place ; 

There was simplicity of character, 

With old-fashioned traits of grace. 

We think rather kindly of those worthies, 

Who sang their hymns of praise, 

That pierced the very vaults of heaven. 

In those ante-bellum days. 

In those present costly temples, 
That are scattered far and wide. 
There is much less of true religion, 
And more of pomp and pride. 



42 "SPEAK NOT ILL OF THE BRIDGE THAT CARRIES YOU OVE R.'' 

Than in those modest structures, 
Where were heard the chants of praise 
Of those long since gone to heaven, 
In the ante-bellum days. 



'SPEAK NOT ILL OF THE BRIDGE THAT CARRIES 
YOU OVER." 



As a measure by which you are guided, 
In all your attempting to do, 
Speak not ill of the bridge that carries you o'er, 
Nor the man that carries you through. 
In this fast age when ingratitude reigns, 
And friends that were friends once before, 
Whom you labored to help at a former time, 
.Will frown as they pass by your door. 

Oh serpent vile, this base ingratitude ! 

For it most assuredly brings 

The stings of remorse; and just retribution. 

It carries along on its wings. 

I would that my patience could carry 

The slights and rebuffs of a friend, 

Who for some trifle imagined or real. 

Had caused our friendship to end. 

In our earlier days of acquaintance. 
Friendship true in our breast abode ; 
But something occurred I never knew what ; 
He turned as we passed on the road. 
Seasons had come — winters had passed, 
With their burdens of sorrow and care ; 
I called at his home, he spake not a word, 
For the angel of death had been there. 

Let us never speak rudely or ill of the man, 

Of whatever standing he be. 

Who saved us when we were tossed about, 

As a bark on an angry sea. 

The mines with their millions of gold, 

Do not hold in their locked embrace 

A jewel more precious than a true friend; 

No sun is more bright than his face. 



HOW DREADFULLY HARD TO BE POOR. 43 



As ye value the face of a worthy friend, 
As ye treasure up silver and gold, 
The name of a friend keep in sacred trust. 
Of infinite value to hold, 
Friendship is the most costly gem. 
That was ever to mortals consigned ; 
Then let it reign in your heart and breast, 
And uppermost dwell in your mind. 

Then as I write and ponder and think, 

I am always obliged to adore 

The friend that carries me safely through. 

And the bridge that carries me o'er. 

If we our duty neglect or forgetful be, 

Let such ingratitude cease ; 

And when we have passed o'er life's troubled sea, 

We'll awake in friendship and peace. 



HOW DREADFULLY HARD TO BE POOR. 



Oh, how dreadfully hard to be poor. 

To be clad in poverty gaunt, 

To see as he glides past the door, 

The spectre-faced figure of want. 

To know that the place you call hom-e 

Is dreary, naked and bare ; 

That which sustains the body and soul, 

Is not found in abundance there. 

It dampens our ardor to know, 
In a world so fair as ours, 
Where the earth in a measure is blest 
With the nectar of sweet-smelling flowers. 
To know that the mountain of want. 
Doth up higher continually grow; 
And darken the sunny face of our globe, 
With a pall and mantle of woe. 

It may seem discouraging, sad indeed, 
That charity's helping hand, 
Can never reach all whO' are in need 
In some parts our fair and favored land. 



44 HOW DREADFULLY HARD TO BE POOR 

The wintry storms and driving snow, 
Raging so wild, tempestuous shrill. 
Must penetrate the dreary abode, 
Where the inhabitants shiver still. 

It is the ceaseless plodding and toil. 

That here we constantly find ; 

And we see by the grist from poverty's mill, 
^ It is forever on the "grind." 

j But such is the state of our sin-cursed earth. 

We know not when it will better be ; 

There is no spot where no penury reigns, 

On either the land or the sea. 

Why paint a picture so weird and dark, 

I And show up its gloomy side? 

• "But truth is mighty and must prevail," 

And we cannot this portrait hide. 
See the constant struggle for life and bread, 
The constant pushing aside, 
The scanty comforts in poverty's home, 
The final sinking beneath the tide. 

Oh, would that a poet's pen could paint, 

Tho' the prospect seemeth dim, 

A land where fulness always dwells. 

Dreadful poverty lank and thin. 

Shall forever be banished from the shore, ^ 

And a plentiful era come in ; 

A world renovated, restored to man. 

Shall the plaudits of angels win. 

In the mean time shall the millions here. 

Know nought but unceasing toil ; 

Chill penury reigns on earth's domains, 

Never-ending unrest and turmoil. 

It is wisdom's part, bow tO' heaven's decree. 

With a feeling of inward grace ; 

The injunction was given of ancient date, 

We must live by the sweat of our face. 

It is useless to stand in the mud knee-deep. 
And mourn our want of luck ; 
For food in plenty awaits the man, 



KEEP OUT OF DEBT. 45 

Who girds jon the armor of pluck. 
For the windows of heaven are opened, 
To him who will help himself; 
Then, let none stand wringing his hands, 
Because of a lack of pelf. 

Tho' it is dreadfully hard to be poor, 
It is neither a shame or disgrace, 
If resolution flows in your veins 
And manliness beams in your face. 
Perhaps it is far better at last, 
When laid in repose on your bier, 
That deceitful riches bear you not down ; 
Friends water your grave with a tear. 

KEEP OUT OF DEBT. 



A letter dunning me for a debt. 

Has reached my place to-day. 

Which you can imagine without a doubt, 

I feel wholly unable to pay. 

These terrible duns disturbing repose. 

When a man is scarce of stamps, 

Are enough to give him a fit of blues, 

Convulsions or the cramps. 

I have some obligations due, 

That I know are right and just; 

But the bills incoming I cannot get; 

So I am obliged to trust. 

But will this appease the creditor 

Who refuses longer grace? 

The time is up, the amount is due ; 

I can get no cash on my face. 

These merciless, recurring duns, 

Must be received and met" 

Oh, the dreadful pangs and misery, 

Of always being in debt ! 

Some will buy everything they see. 

Whether goods or real estate; 

But 'when the day of settlement comes, 

Their "pile" is not very great. 



46 EEVER8AL OF THE PICTURE. 

Beware of this burden that strikes you 

Like a rock impending overhead ; 

Too large a credit may bear you down, 

Its waves dashing over your head. 

As the ogre destroyed its victims of old, 

Unlimited credit will do to-day ; 

Then always measure the size of your purchase, 

By what you are able to pay. 

Three-fourths of the worries that trouble the soul, 

That keep up a constant fret, 

That bring you down to poverty's goal, 

Is caused by running in debt. 

Would you enjoy true independence. 

Then always pay as you go ; 

It will save you a world of trouble, 

Of infinite care and woe. 

Venturing in too far from the shore, 

Into the current of credit deep, 

Has caused many a poor man to mourn 

And many a woman to weep. 

Be cautious then of contracting a debt. 

You may be never able to pay ; 

For sure as the sun will rise and set. 

There cometh a reckoning day. 



REVERSAL OF THE PICTURE. 



A paper is laid on my table this eve. 

Its meaning and true intent : — 

A mortgage redeeiiied on my humble home. 

And I owe not mankind a cent. 

I now have a home I can call my own. 

Its walls are of pictures bare ; 

No creditor's duns can reach the spot. 

For I am the master there. 

The business world may run on credit. 

But stocks are not always at par; 

You will find in time your money has vanished 

And you wonder just where you are. 



THE WAR WITH CHILI. 47 

To speculate in some honest way, 

Cannot be considered a mortal sin ; 

But beware of the crowd of villainous sharks, 

Who don't hesitate to "take you in." 

Lay aside for a rainy day that may come, 

Or a time that you have grown old, 

When you need the comforts of house and home, 

In a world of sympathies cold. 

Then labor and save and continually strive. 

Some portion of wealth to get ; 

Your credit maintain and not abuse. 

By keeping from getting in debt. 



THE WAR WITH CHILI. 



This "Paper War" was brought to a close by diplomacy in 
1892, and ''Uncle Sam" remained master of the situation. 

The war with Chili is over. 

And each mighty iron-clad 

As she hoists her streaming pennant. 

In her "iron-sides" is glad. 

That she is not the victim 

Of a Chilian rifled ball, 

Or on the coast has not floundered, 

By an Equatorial squall. 

The war with Chili is over. 
But each tar is in a fit, 
And quite pugnacious is his temper. 
Because he cannot get a whit 
At the saucy small Republic 
Of the shoe-string-garter make. 
And the town of Valparaiso, 
Before his breakfast take. 

The war with Chili is over. 

But the diplomatic word 

Has once more to the world proven 

The pen mightier than the sword. 



48 ^ "LOST." 

When "Uncle Sam's" great war-dogs, 
Unto her coast were bound, 
She said: "I beg your pardon, Uncle," 
And from her perch stepped down. 

War-ships are an excellent thing 
To possess in time of peace ; 
For nations that would devour you, 
Will in friendship much increase ; 
No more European conquests, 
Upon this Western sphere; 
For "Uncle Sam" is strong enough. 
To act as master here. 



"LOST." 

Away out on the desert bleak and bare, 

Where hundreds before had drossed, 

A man through the force of tempest and storm, 

Got off the track and was lost. 

Some time after a corpse was found, 

A stranger wholly unknown ; 

The monument to his memory raised, 

Was a rude and uncut stone. 

A ship had traversed the ocean deep. 

The gales came dashing high ; 

She struggled to breast the beating surf, 

That through her masts did fly. 

The struggle's unequal — she strikes a rock. 

Like a plaything she's tossed aside ; 

The dreadful hurricane drives her down, 

And she sinks in the ocean wide. 

A young man leaves his parental home ; 

Ambition rules righ in his breast ; 

He is going to make a mark in the world. 

And be of great power possessed. 

He delves down deep in the haunts of vice, 

And frequents the dens of sin ; 

So a useful life is ruined and lost. 

True manhood is wrecked within. 



"LOST. ' 49 

We beheld a beautiful maiden fair, 

Whom it were a p'leasure to meet ; 

With a queenly step and a graceful air, 

She hurried along the street. 

Some dozen of years had passed her by, 

We read of a ruined name ; 

Of an angel that fell from virtue high, 

Down to the haunts of shame. 

The' wickedness rules almost everywhere, 

And living wrecks are found, 

Your character keep as the jewels bright, 

As diadems in your crown. 

Tho' demons may your pathway assail. 

Conquer, whatever the cost ; 

And never take up the dreadful wail ; 

The wail of the damned and lost. 

A man brilliant as a meteor high 
Sinks down through the upper air; 
All terrestrial things are dazzled. 
By the bright unusual glare. 
This towering bright eccentric genius, 
Down from the heaven is tossed ; 
Sinks straightway beneath times billows, 
And we weep because he is lost. 

The balmy, sweet, refreshing showers. 

That water field and parching plain, 

Refreshing earth, imparting vigor, - • 

Appear in another form again. 

Opportune hours passing unimproved, 

May be sacrificed at a cost ; 

And the fortunate tide in life's afifairs, 

May be irretrievably lost. 

What means this victorious army 

With banners bright displayed, 

Each with shining sword and helmet, 

And in marching suits arrayed? 

These have lived to make the world better; 

Earth and heaven admire this host ; 

Then live to make the world your debtor, 

Your reward can never be lost. 



50 SHUT YOUR MOUTH AND DO NOT SQUEAL. 

SHUT YOUR MOUTH AND DO NOT SQUEAL. 



If in business you are beaten 
By some sbrewa and cunning art, 
By some wolf who wears a sheepskin, 
Wiho has not a human heart ; 
You may sufifelr inward toirments ; 
The fleecing badly feel ; 
Sihow not the world a face distorted. 
Shut your mouth and do not squeal. 

If some rascals overreach you, 
,By a smooth, deceitful tongue; 
Has gained on you some advantage. 
By the act of doing wrong. 
Do not parade it in the papers ; 
It is far better to conceal ; 
The world won't show a sign of pity ; 
Shut your mouth and do not squeal. 

A man may be chock-fullpf knowledge, 

And sharp pointed as a pin ; 

But with all your fine conceitedhess. 

Some rogue may "take^ you in." 

Sharp experience may aid you 

In a dicker or fine deal ; 

But if the other chap outwits you, 

Shut your mouth and do not squeal. 

Steer clear the way of sharpers, 

Rope-pullers or dead-beats ; 

You stand no chance of getting even, 

Or adjusting balance sheets. 

To create a row or rumpus. 

Will no great damage heal ; 

If you suffer some indignity, 

Shut your mouth and do not squeal. 



DEATH OF THE POET, WALT WHITMAN. 51 

DEATH OF THE POET, WALT WHITMAN. 



Notes from a lecture by his prophet, R. G. Ingersoll. The sen- 
tences in quotation are his. 

Introduction. 

To that mysterious boundless bourne, 
In some distant clime afar, 

Where there is no passage to return, ^ ' 

Where earth's Agnostics are, 
Fled Walt Whitman on that journey 
,, To return here nevermore ; 
List to inspiring strains of music from 
The "Western wave-kissed shore." 

"He accepted theories, philosophies ; 
Absorbed all existing creeds" ; 
But the religion of the fathers. 
Did not meet his wants and needs. 
He owned no gods of any calibre, 
Old-fashioned, great or small ; 
In an Empyrean novel region, 
He reigned high above them all. 

"The nymphs of day" did not forsake him, 

Nor the "silent sisters" of the night, 

To the gloomy region of Tartarus, 

Or the sphere of vision bright. 

The "mysterious trumpeter" did blow 

The signal on his hoirn ; 

To the undiscovered land of nowhere. 

Was our author safely borne. 

Among "men milhners" and "tailors," 

And "venerets" he firmly trod. 

With an unconscious modest dignity. 

Of a modern "antique god." 

He preached the "gospel of humanity," 

A dogmatic doctrine fine, 

That suits dyspeptics, blue Agnostics, 

Existing only in the mind. 

Bright flowers of speech and sophistry, 
Word-painting, brilliant, rare ; 
Weird fancies of a pe:rverted brain, 
Standing on a pyramid of air. 



52 FOOT-NOTES. 

Mohammets' coffin stood suspended, 
Mid way 'twixt heaven and earth ; 
But his religion has in it some reality, 
Of at least some real worth. 

Let mockers scorn the true religion. 
That is much higher than the hills. 
That inspires the soul with duty. 
And the mind with rapture fills. 
Oh, the infinite scope of nothingness, 
Beneath some strata of fine air, 
Where stands the grand Agnostic city 
On the stream of some nowhere. 

Oh, specious interpleader fine. 
Your art is not wholly new ; 
A century past we had learned swine. 
That knew, dear Bob, as much as you. 
You fail to despoil Moses of his honors ; 
Or obscure the sermon on the mount ; 
The law divine from Sinai given, 
Will to all future ages count. 

Let infidels boast and God blaspheme. 

And religion true despise. 

They never can injure the plan divine. 

By a fabric built on lies. 

So sinks down our learned Agnostic, 

The twin birother of the clod. 

Who is the architect of his own heaven. 

And the founder of his gpd. 

Foot-Notes. 

Queries for our arch-infidel to explain. 

What is meant by — ''A brother of the mountains"? 

By — ''An antique god"? 

By — "A philosophy and religion of his own and he was 
above all" ? 

By — "The laughing nymphs of day did not forsake him"? 

By — ''Silent sisters of the night"? 

By — "Western wave-kissed shore" ? 

By — "Millions will walk down the dark valley holding Walt 
Whitman by the hand" ? 

We leave the reader tO' determine for himself whether Plato, 
Socrates or St. Paul, ever uttered any such ineffable nonsense. 



AGE. 53 

AGEr— A Simile. 

''These papers were new yesterday but are old to-day." 

These papers are old and have seen their day, 

And we feel like throwing them hence away; 

They have been perused and hurriedly read, 

And the matter that's in them now is dead. 

Our appetites grow upon what we feed ; 

Our inward being reflects what we read; 

And the thoughts that do our purpose control, 

Beam in our eyes and arouse our soul. 

Come swift as the clouds on morning air, 

And emanate from the editor's chair. 

The world cares httle for the aged and old, 
But turns from them like a breeze that is cold ; 
There may be nothing repulsive in thei;r air, 
But there's little attraction for them anywhere, 
Tho' steady their walk and courteous their mien, 
The young in their company seldom are seen ; 
Call it attraction, repulsion or what you may, 
It is the way of the world in our civilized day. 
Neither education nor refinement brings. 
Any method to change this order of things. 

These papers a day ago, were bran new ; 

We scanned their pages in silent review ; 

Things that were good, we paused to note ; 

The rest we passed by as unworthy of thought. 

The chaf¥ from the wheat we did silently sift ; 

Note the march of events, as they onward did drift ; 

And knowledge thus gained is put safely aside ; 

So passes everyday life with its current and tide. 

So thus passes life in monotonous round ; 

One day we're elate, another cast down. 

An axiom, of course, you believe to be true ; 
Things look most attractive just when they are new; 
And the fancy that painted an object quite fair, 
May consider it now less worthy of care. 
It is useless to muirmur or fret at our state, 
Or disturb our repose at the rulings of fate ; 
But remain serene till counted at last, 



54 THE UNKNOWN AUTHOR. 

As a newspaper number, a thing of the past. 

But Franklin and Milton are living to-day, 

In the wisdom they left, in the words they did say. 

Remember, my friend, a thought that's sublime, 
That age is more noble than youth in its prime ; 
And the head that is hoary, the mind that is sage, 
The heart that is young, that time cannot age, 
These are the diadems, wisdom's own crown, 
That shine most bright as ouir star sinks down. 
And the work we leave off while on pilgrimage here, 
We'll start up anew in that much brighter sphere. 
These random, stray thoughts we hope may assuage, 
The follies of youth and vices of age. 



THE UNKNOWN AUTHOR. 

The unknown author has a hard time, 

To a just recognition gain; 

For the rod of prejudice rules mankind. 

And true merit raps in vain. 

We do not believe that a man of genius. 

Can forever be kept down ; 

He will mount on wings bounding upward, 

And gain ambition's crown. 

Some critics with little sense or brain, 

May stand ready to condemn ; 

But the intellectual soaring eagle. 

May cast a frown on them. 

Some author of the hair-brained rank, 
May coin some foolish phrase ; 
Yet ten thousand asses utter it. 
And parade it in their plays. 
The myriad tons of silly things, 
Copied often and said, 
Are revamped, reclothed and printed. 
And before the woirld spread ; 
And nauseoiisness itself is pure. 
Compared with the poisoned stuff. 
That passes current for literature ; 
More than a "quantum suf." 



THE UNKNOWN AUTHOR. 55 

The man hmlt of brass and pomp and tinsel, 

May stand high on dress parade ; 

But by men who work in quiet, 

Are true science volumes made. 

And the modesty of true merit, 

May remain for a time obscure ; 

The rays of the sun beneath the horizon, 

Cannot very long endure. 

Then, when prosperity has crowned him, 

He is lauded to the skies ; 

The gaping throngs stand ready, 

To behold the heroes' eyes. 

There is no need to seek the plaudits 
Of the vast unthinking crowd, 
Who at the antics of the automaton, 
Are made to cackle loud. 
We need not seek the approbation 
Of the motley, vulgar throng. 
Whose approval gives no credit, 
Whose censure does no wrong. 
Wihile no author is infallible. 
We can always point with pride. 
To the unobtrusive, modest author. 
Who throws vanitv aside. 



Then let it be our lot of fortune. 

To be recognized or known. 

Or spend our days among the humble. 

In some suburban town. 

Be it ours to climb no pinnacle of fame. 

From whose cold and dizzy height, 

Men have fallen as wandering meteors. 

Into an abysmal night. 

We would not have an ounce of credit, 

For what we cannot do ; 

Nor would we cast a single demerit, 

On the author of genius true. 



KEEP GOOD COMPANY. 
KEEP GOOD COMPANY. 



Keep good company, my young friend 
There is nought on earth more sure, 
Than that final retribution. 
Will o'ertake the evil-doer. 
You may assunle the garb of decency, 
In open day your virtues flout; 
But don't forget the good old saying 
*'Your sins will find you out." 

Human beings can be no better, 

Than the company they keep ; 

For there leads a road to the pit-falls. 

Where destruction's hidden deep. 

Avoid the haunts of iniquity, 

That inevitably leads 

To the plotting and committing 

Of vile outrageous deeds. 

Would you succeed and be somebody, 
In this hustling world of ours? 
Would you avoid the noxious serpents. 
Concealed beneath the flowers? 
Would you ever reach that pedestal, 
From which true glory mounts, 
That sublime and exalted station. 
Where the wand of power counts? 
Would you finally reach the eminence. 
The seat of high renown? 
Good company will keep you there. 
But bad will drag you down. 



THE GOSPEL OF HOW TO GET THERE. 



"That there is many a slip, 

Betwixt the cup and the lip," 

Is a saying quite old I declare; 

But the gospel I preach. 

And the doctrine I teach, 

Is the gospel of how to get there. 



THE GOSPEL OF HOW TO GET THERE. 57 

It is the rulings of fate 

That sometimes the great, 

May sink in the slough of despair ; 

But the strong iron will. 

That is invincible still, 

Will seldom fail to get there. 

Seize the forelock of time, 

And on-upward climb, 

You will find it indeed very rare, 

That the men who pursue 

Definite objects in view, 

Seldom fail in their plans to get there. 

We admire the brave man 

WhO' doth firmly stand, 

Tho' weather be threatening or fair ; 

The right moment to seize, 

Furling his sails to the breeze. 

He forms his plans to get there. 

But that poor lazy soul 
With the speed of a mole, 
Seeming for nothing to care. 
Whom no one will cherish. 
Though he die or he perish, 
May fail in his course to get there. 

Have a purpose steadfast, 

And hold it in your clasp, 

And fortune, you onward may bear ; 

If the goals reached by you, 

You must keep this in view ; 

If you ever expect to get there. 

But what seemeth the use 

To give advice or abuse ; 

The eagle that sails in the air. 

Makes the elements bend 

In the course he doth trend. 

In pursuing his way to get there. 

The slow pacing snail, 

Is the man who will fail, 

Who has neither ambition or care; 



58 THE GIANT'S STRUGGLE. 

He is but a clam, 

In the world's great jam', 

He never expects to get there. 

Now this gospel, I trow. 

As you very well know, 

Is the text that is preached everywhere ; 

And the man who' will win 

Gold or silver or tin. 

Must make it a point to get there. 

Honor, fortune or fame, 

Does not rest in a name ; 

To give further advice I forbear; 

For humanity's sake, 

This short sermon now take 

In the gospel of how to get there. 



THE GIANT'S STRUGGLE. 



The Titans, great and mighty giants • 

With old Saturn did contend. 

The sovereignty of the heavens ; 

But were defeated in the end. 

So to-day giant forces are contending; 

There is a perpetual war 

Whether upright men shall rule us, 

Or unjust our peace shall mar. 

Coelus and Terra are still arrayed in battl, 
With entrenchments on each line ; 
Hosts are enlisting, equipping, drilling, 
And in heated combats join. 
So fiercely wages the continual struggle. 
For position, place and power; 
Some are rising — some are falling, 
With every passing hour. 

But in life's continued struggle. 
There are marching groups ahead, 
With hands outstretched and imploring 
The bosses for dailv bread. 



QUATRAIN. 59 

Some resting beneath misfortune's cloud, 
Seem woe-begone and distressed ; 
While others in the sunshine of prosperity, 
Seem more than ordinary blessed. 

To what evil cause can we attribute, 
Life's myriad perplexing ills, 
That with hunger, grief and suflfering, 
The lot of unhappy mortals fills? 
Is it the vice we have inherited, 
Which we choose to make our own? 
This may be one of the leading causes, 
But not responsible alone. 

The greatest code of pure philosophy, 

To mortal men, e'er taught. 

The most beneficent method given, 

Which peace on earth, good will has brought, 

Is that taught by the worthy Master, 

To the tribe of fallen men : 

"To do to others as you would that 

They should do to you again." 

Notes. — "Titan," son of Coelus and Terra, elder brother of 
Saturn, and father of a race of giants. ''Saturn," — Son of 
Coelus and Terra, and father of Jupiter, but was banished 
from the throne of heaven by his son. ''Coelus," — The 
heaven ; "Terra," — The earth ; The Golden Rule. — The 
grandest rule ever promulgated for the benefit of man- 
kind. 



QUATRAIN— The Golden Law. 



Lycurgus and Moses, both made good laws. 
But each had defects, and inherent flaws ; 
But it remained for the Master to make a rule. 
Transcending any of ancient or modern school. 



GOD BLESS THE BOYS. 



God bless th^ boys and give them wisdom 
For upon them will devolve 
]\Iany hard and knotty problems, 
Which our age has yet to solve. 



60 GOD BLESS THE BOYS. 

May they grasp the situation 
With a determination strong, 
So that the nation's ills distracting, 
Shall be rectified ere long. 

Older minds may grow quiescent, 

And older hands may fail; 

But youth's quick discerning spirit, 

Must finally prevail. 
I, Who shall stem the surging tide of evil? 

i Who regain the advantage lost? 

! It will be done by youthful forces, 

Trained, regardless of the cost. 

Who shall hold the reins of power 
With beneficent mild sway, 
[;, : To guard the ship of State from danger, 

That threatening is to-day? 
It will be held by youthful warriors. 
Of whom the world knows nought ; 
Who have genius, brains and action, 
Who have innate power and thought. 

God bless our boys and guide them, 

For very soon into their hand, 

Will fall the keeping and preserving 

The destinies of our land. 

Who are equal to the mighty tasks 

That very early may arise? 

We, the future leave with providence, 

And entrust it to the boys. 

The world's renowned, undying warriors, 

Who accomplished wonders here, 

Have their entrance and their exit. 

And their time to disappear. 

The true lesson taught in boyhood. 

Will in riper years mature ; 

Then in the teachings of the present, 

May we lay foundations sure. 

The time is ever present with us, 
When we true Statesmen need. 
Who are not given over to venality. 
Corruption rank or greed. 



GOLDEN RULE FOR BOYS AND GIRLS. 61 

And in the history of diplomacy, 

We want men true and tried, 

Who hold our "Nation first and foremost;" 

In its institutions take pride. 

God bless the boys and guard them, 
Is our fervent, ardent prayer; 
Then shall peace and justice reign; 
Be triumphant everywhere. 
History's teachings are instructive; 
Youthful moments well employ; 
For the Nation's future ruler, 
Is now the studious boy. 

There is a prospect grand before you, 

And I would this maxim teach : 

That being an American citizen, 

You may the highest honors reach. 

If the name ''Roman Citizen" was a passport, 

That came down to later time, 

How much greater is the American, 

Than the Roman in his prime. 



GOLDEN RULE FOR BOYS AND GIRLS. 

We like to see the studious boy 

Who minds the ''Golden Rule," 

Who is a regular attendant 

Upon the Sabbath School. 

So sure as truth is eternal, 

If he carries out this plan, 

He will be stocked with useful knowledge, 

A good and useful man. 

We like to see the buoyant girl 

With fresh and ruddy looks, 

Who keeps well in mind her lessons, 

And reads good useful books. 

Then will she have a mental store-house. 

Of knowledge good and pure, 

That makes and molds her character, 

And keeps her steps secure. 



''SOMEBODY LEFT IN THE COLD " 

She may not be a president's wife, 

Reside in Paris or Rome ; 

She can lead a much happier life, 

Adorning her humble home. 

If virtue's ways are pleasantness, 

And all her paths are peace, 

The blessings of a learned mind. 

Will all your joys increase. 

Of all the fields of culture here. 

Will the close observer find, 

That which yields the purest pleasure. 

Is the culture of the mind. 

Then treasure up youth's golden lessons. 

In your mind a precious store ; ' 

And give the ''Golden Rule" pre-eminence, 

All other rules before. 



'SOMEBODY LEFT IN THE COLD.' 



It is the oft-told story repeated, 

A tale that never grows old; 

It is that o'f somebody slighted. 

Of somebody left in the cold. 

Of somebody jostled along, 

'Till others took their place ; 

Who were left in their track despondent, 

While others won the race. 

My story is as old as Adam, 
Grown heavy with frost of years ; 
It is sprinkled with grains of sadness. 
And watered with streaming tears. 
Yet along the succeeding ages, 
The same old story is told; 
How the feelings are rent by failure. 
How somebody's left in the cold. 

Like the turbulent waves of the ocean. 
That doth constantly pour 
The froth and foam of their raging 
Upon the surf-beaten shore, 



ONE MINUTE LATE. 

So the crowds in tumult commotion, 
Are in ever-hurrying chase; 
While some gain their destination, 
Others are lost in the race. 

By fame or fortune up-drifted. 
The beggar, a prince appears ; 
By some strange unaccountable fate. 
Reversed are the orders of years. 
Youth has grown old prematurely; 
Renewed is the life of the old; 
Some leap into standing prominence. 
While others are left in the cold. 

Thus age upon age succeedeth; 
There still is the sigh and the moan ; 
Like the stir of the turbulent ocean, 
Are heard from afar and known. 
While some stand on high Olympus, 
We, looking backward, behold 
Others that fail to reach the summit,- 
Somebody left in the cold. 

The monarch upon his shaky throne. 
May be haunted by fear and dread ; 
Uneasy he wears the jeweled crown. 
Uneasy may rest his head. 
Those of humbler rank and station, 
May solider comforts behold ; 
We have this cheering consolation, 
That we are not left in the cold. 



63 



ONE MINUTE LATE. 

The engineer slept in his cozy cab ; 

He pulled out one minute late ; 

The passengers knew not the dangers passed. 

In escaping a horrible fate. 

An engine behind with rushing speed. 

Came puffing and steaming fast; 

But our engineer passed with his steed, 

On a switch — so danger was past. 



64 ONE MINU'rE LATE. 

There was no crash or total wreck, 

Nor dozens of crippled men, 

As might have been caused by one minute late, 

And dire the consequence been. 

The engineer sighed and grew quite pale. 

At the thought of what had occurred ; 

But the reporters told no sickening tale, 

Nor was the community stirred. 

The picket stood at his weary post, 
Exposed to the enemy's lead; 
Pacing along his lonely beat. 
Yet never a word he said ; 
A minute he just relaxed his watch. 
When the enemy's sentinel near, 
Seizes him like a bird of prey. 
And he stands a prisoner here. 

The ambushed enemy dashes ahead. 

The result is a panic and fright; 

A rushing to arms and beating of drums. 

Thus arousing the demons of night. 

It was only a moment the sentinel slept ; 

Dreadful might have been the cost ; 

The cause of the nation for which he fought. 

Might have been irretrievably lost. 

The prisoner paced in his iron cell. 
With gloomy forebodings of dread ; 
That by noon on the coming morn, 
He would be numbered with the dead. 
Mid priests and deputies forth he marched. 
The criminals' crime to expiate ; 
The trap is sprung; the criminal fell; 
The reprieve came a minute too late. 

There was rejoicing and mirth in festal halls. 

And music's symphonious sound ; 

The bride and groom in costly attire, - 

Ready to be wedded were found. 

An order was issued to close the doors. 

Tightly bolt the massive gate ; 

When, alas, an invited guest appears. 

But just a minute too late. 



TOO MANY CREEDS. 65 



The rolling universe dares not stop 

For a minute's pause on its course. 

Without causing a clash of worlds, 

Ruining gravitation's force. 

Oh, who can compute the fearful cost, 

Now, compute it, ye who may ; 

A life, a nation, a crown may be lost, 

By only one minute's delay. 



TOO MANY CREEDS. 



The world is cursed with too many creeds, 

Of unnumbered titles, forms and breeds; 

From earliest dawn of recorded time, 

Of each successive age, of every clime, 

Men, in their madness or their zeal, 

For their fellow beings woe or weal, 

Have constructed dogmas new and rare; 

Some thick as mud, some thin as air, 

Hard collars on men's necks to wear, 

Here is conscience bound with clanking chains, 

That tear the soul and wreck the brains. 

As old satan down from heaven was cast, 
So dissenting opinions still will last; 
Thus heaped on piles are creeds immense, 
Without much truth or common sense. 
Piled up they stand like mountains high, 
Obscuring heaven and earth, sea and sky, 
In this our brilliant inquiring age, 
Men may construct some maxims sage ; 
But the search-light of truth will put to route. 
The drivel that fools write about. 

New prophets come with mystic tread, 
Resuscitate fables centuries dead; 
They are clad in new attire once more. 
And made to read as sacred lore; 
Thus prophets false and prophets true. 
Pass by in a panoramic view. 
Religious bickerings and tumults spread; 
The fires of the inquisition are not dead. 
Our self-righteous Pharisee still finds a place. 
With his empty forms, in every race. 



A CONSUMMATE WRETCH. 

Anathemas vile now fail to harm ; 
"Grand Councils" cause no one alarm; 
Some skeptic doctor plainly sees, 
He cannot swallow the "decrees." 
Close observation, reading, thought, 
Great changes to his mind has brought; 
Then, immediately in press and speech. 
He, his new-found theories will teach. 
Is he right or wrong? Who shall decide? 
The right of thinking can't be denied. 

But he who simplifies, men's creeds. 
Deserves some recognition for his deeds; 
What with new ceremonials, fasts and feasts 
Sensational preachers, foolish priests. 
Men have been held in galling chains, 
'Till scarce a speck of liberty remains. 
With ecclesiastic oppression bowed. 
Men have forsworn their heavy load. 
Oh, for a power to teach mankind, 
A way to free the imprisoned mind. 

What the world to-day doth stand in need, 
Is a simple faith, more simple creed, 
Divested of men's inventions rude. 
With parapharnalia worse than crude. 
On which God's creatures all can stand, 
A platform safe for fallen man ; 
A creed that vivifies the soul. 
That makes the sin-sick mortal whole ; 
A creed so simple, pure and broad, 
Opening the way to heaven and God. 



A CONSUMMATE WRETCH. 



He was the most consummate wretch, 

That drew the breath of life ; 

A creature lived of hope forlorn, 

Whom he designated wife. 

A minister grim, of deceptive mien — 

Could eloquently preach ; 

But of his domestic cussedness. 

He was not wont to teach. 



A CONSUMMATE WRETCH. 67 

A temper passionate and fierce, 

Him quite a demon made; 

He drew his wife — as home diversion, 

Across the balustrade. 

He struck her, kicked, abused her, 

This pious imp of hell; 

He sometimes dragged her down the stairs, 

And shoved her towards the well. 

He preached of love to all mankind, — 

At home the servant maid 

Received his most polite attentions ; 

The rest may not be said. 

He whipped the devil 'round the stump, 

This base immoral fraud ; 

He taught the "Moral Law" in church, 

At home dishonored God. 

He was an outward Gospel man — 

Was often heard to say, 

"The day my wife is dead and buried. 

Will be my happiest day." 

Such brutal conduct drew to a close ; 

His mal-treated wife did hie 

To take an ounce of laudanum, 

And laid her down to die. 

Emetics given in proper time, 

Her unhappy life did save; 

She fled from this reverant sinner, 

As a victim from the grave. 

Vile deeds like this won't hidden lie, 

They to the world are known ; 

Expulsion, the fate of the "clergyman ;" 

And the devil gets his own. 

He preached of "temperance and righteousness," 

Of judgment yet to come ; 

Meanwhile he swore like any sinner, 

Drank worse than any "bum," 

We speak not irreverently of the "cloth;" 

And hope there are but few^ 

Who will assume the gab of the Master, 

While another thing they do. 



68 ZERO WEATHER. 

Oh, that we had an outward sign 
To recognize the beast, 
Who works the racket of religion. 
When his heart don't feel the least. 
Let all such hypocrites be branded, 
Who are nought but a disgrace ; 
Or may they take a step like Judas. 
And descend to their own place. 



ZERO WEIATHER. 



When it reaches zero and down below. 
Oh, the stinging frost and the biting snow ; 
When the north wind blows, his deadly breath, 
Is the harbinger of destruction and death. 
For old Boreas the god of the north. 
In his stern grandeur stalketh forth; 
His geometrical figures again, 
We see engraved on the window pane. 

We read of an age when nature's face 
Was locked in chains, an icy embrace; 
When King Boreas had sole control, 
The equator being as cold as the pole. 
And mountains of ice piled up on high. 
Having ponderous summits, pierced the sky. 
The sun in the firmament cold and pale. 
Lacked warmth sufficient to prevail ; 
A frigid land and a frigid stream ; 
Dreadful desolation reigned supreme. 

What goes on there nobody knows. 
In this desolate region of polar snows ; 
This unexplored and unknown land. 
Human endurance cannot stand. 
If any waves reach this desolate strand. 
They are changed to ice by a magic hand ; 
Here the mercury freezes and winter reigns, 
None dare to dispute its dread domains ; 
The volcanic stream will in a moment freeze. 
At the wrathful fury of the polar breeze. 



THE FOUNT OF YOUTH. 69 

No triumph of genius, science or art, 
Can do much to redeem this frozen part 
Of the globe, or its terrors subdue, 
With anything like success in view. 
Tho' he makes some elements own his skill. 
The impervious north will not own his will. 
But the youthful hero may now be born, 
Who shall the ice-king's castle storm; 
Having an aerial car under control. 
May steer his ship right to the pole. 
Shall he e'er come back — the doubt remains? 
For congelation may seize his veins. 



THE FOUNT OF YOUTH. 



Could men but find that fabled fountain 

Which would to them restore 

Eternal youth, perpetual beauty, 

And vigor evermore, 

With what unremitting zeal and fondness, 

Would they seek its chrystal tide; 

Sip its healing-purifying waters. 

And disport this fount beside. 

Could mankind wretched and hoary, 
Know that they still could live. 
Making this earth a paradise of glory, , 
Yielding its ripest joys to give. 
So that misery's dreadful ravages, 
That so virulently rage, 
Might give way to health perpetual, 
And men renew their age ; 

And earth to its primeval condition, 
Unsullied might once more return ; 
And pangs and wailings cease forever: 
In bliss, man would cease to mourn. 
For youth returned with innocence. 
The ceasing of all crime, 
Must be characteristic of this era, 
Of this golden age of time. 



70 'THE GREAT DIVIDE." 

Shall we seek the vale of Tempe, 
Some undiscovered bourne, 
Or some island in the tropics, 
Where time's dial may return? 
Where life-giving breeze refreshing, 
Erase the marks of time ; 
And a thousand years duration, 
Shall find man in his prime. 

It is a harbored vain delusion, 
A quite absorbing theme; 
For mankind has ne'er abandoned, 
This youth's renewing scheme. 
With all the wisdom of the ages. 
We may, accept this truth : 
The spring of eternal wisdom. 
Is the fount of life and youth. 



"THE, GREAT DIVIDE"— An Indian Complaint. 



The great divide : — The mountain summit which is siipposed 
to separate this world from that which is to come. 

When at last I stand on the great divide, 

Hear the eagle's piercing note. 

Hear the cataract's sound by the mountains side, 

And the howl of the wild coyote. 

My heart grows feeble, my eyes grow dim ; 

And weariness seizes my hand ; 

I think of the bufifalo and the deer. 

In the happy hunting land. 

I shall take by bow and arrow along, 
And lay them down by my side; 
Then shall I repeat my great war song. 
When crossing the great divide. 
My poor old dog and my trusty gun, 
That I took along in the race, 
I cannot agree to leave them behind. 
When I renew my sportive chase. 

My dear papooses have all grown up. 

And now they pursue the foe ; 

The dear old squaw that was once my wife. 



MODERN JUSTICE, OR INJUSTICE. 

Has left me some years ago. 

And now they shall dig me a trench quite deep, 

And place me down by her side ; 

When at last we awaken from sleep, 

We'll meet on the great divide. 

The white man came and he took our land; 

He drove us still farther away, 

'Till there's hardly a spot we can call our own, 

In the great "Wild West" today. 

But the "Great Good Spirit" will take his child. 

In delightful hills to abide ; 

In a country by white men undefiled, 

Just across the great divide. 

My warriors once were a mighty band 

Of noble trusted braves ; 

'Tis sad to think we owned this land, 

Yet treated are as slaves. 

But our "Manitou" is great and good ; 

We shall with him abide; 

And then repeat our great "Sun dance," 

When we cross the great divide. 

In that great "Good Spirit" in whom I trust, 

I confide in my last repose; 

No cause than' ours has been more just. 

But I bid good-bye to my foes, 

But when on the mount of death I stand. 

In this faith and hope I abide ; 

That I'll meet my friends in the hunting land, 

Just across the great divide. 



MODERN JUSTICE, OR INJUSTICE. 

Acken, a veteran soldier was imprisoned three and one-half 
months in the Kittanning jail for stealing nine cents 
worth of coal. 

Oh, Justice ! it is a burning shame 
What crimes are committed in thy name. 
How the poor man suffers from the cause 
Of inflicting upon him unequal laws ; 
And learned judges and juries immense. 



72 MODERN JUSTICE, OR INJUSTICE. 

Are oft swayed more by money than common sense. 

He, poor freezing man, in his misery, stole 

Nine cents worth corporation coal. 

His wife had died, his health was poor, 

And poverty's pangs he had to endure ; 

He suffers arrest — 'tis a shame to tell, 

He is made to share a prisoner's cell. 

Suffering in silence four months long; 

For the heavy hand of the law is strong. 

His children are taken and scattered abroad; 

A parody this on the justice of God. 

This poor old prisoner bears the scars 

Of hard-fought battles in former wars. 

Hear the judge this prisoner sad, accost: 

"Ten days more in jail and all the cost." 

Poor veteran soldier ! you now must feel 

Soulless corporation's iron heel. 

Home has been broken, and children gone; 

A soul crushed out, imprisoned, alone. 

Who can thy pangs of agony bear? 

Yet there is a God who will hear thy prayer. 

We would not be understood to connive 

Or condone those who by stealing thrive ; 

But as judicial ermine and red tape go, 

Each unfortunate wretch must get a blow. 

That pompous aristocrat rich as a Jew. 

Has stolen thousands of dollars of money, too ; 

But he stands uncondemned, we see to-day. 

How money will justice scales outweigh. 

He ranks with the "four-hundred," or upper ten, 

An example of the most successful men. 

Shall the cry of God's poor be heard in vain? 

Temper mercy with justice we ask again. 

Shall this undeserved sentence remain? 

Oh, justice! what crimes are done in thy name. 

"Fiat justitia, ruat coelum," we loudly call : 

Meaning, "Let justice be done, tho' the heavens fall.' 



THE BLESSINGS OF HOME. 73 

THE! BLESSINGS OF HOME. 



"Tempora mutantur, et nos mutamur," 
"Times are changed, and we are changed." 

Is there a place of all others the best, 
Where free from care the weary may rest. 
To which may the wanderer come ; 
Tho' it be a lone and secluded spot, 
Its memories dear cannot be forgot; 
Thank God for the blessings of home. 

Is there above others a holier shrine. 

Where the human approaches the nearly divine, 

To which we in memory turn. 

To that somewhat lonely, but familiar spot, 

Where Providence first cast our earthly lot, 

Whose incense continues to burn. 

Is fond recollection now saddened by thought? 
Are the scenes of spring-time nearly forgot? 
Ah, no ; we can fondly retrace 
The cottage tho' mean, for years it had stood, 
By a silver pure spring, by the edge of a wood. 
And we felt that a home was this place. 

"Tempora mutantur !" how changed is the scene 

When my mind wanders back to the days that have been, 

When children encircled the hearth, 

Who have wandered away in the world alone. 

Who to each other as strangers have grown ; 

But such are the changes on earth. 

In times of reflection how fondly we cling 

To the past, the dead past, and the joys it did bring; 

Yes, father and mother were there, 

An unbroken circle, a family band ; 

We hope once more in their presence to stand, 

And look in their faces so fair. 

Is there a spot that is tranquil complete. 

The essence of bliss and companionship sweet. 

That is anchored by family ties ; 

Sweet peace and love and affection dwelt there. 

Contentment and hope their blessings to share; 

Now this is the home that we prize. 



74 A WRECK. 

Tho' life be laden with burden of years ; 

We see the past thro' a vista of tears ; 

The pilgrim in vision will come, 

To the home of his youth, thrice hallowed spot ; 

Amidst all life's changes cannot be forgot ; 

Thank God for the blessings of home. 

As we pass thro' this world, let no speck of shame 

Rest as a blot on our parents' good name ; 

Be content with things as they come ; 

Let no cause for tears of repentance be shed' 

Nor ever dishonor your parent's gray head ; 

Thank God for the blessings of home. 



A WREiCK. 

A wreck at all times is a pitiful sight : 
A mast of the vessel appears, 
Showing where the ill-fated craft had sunk. 
Where her crew have been sleeping for years, 
behold that wreck in a human form ; 
Some intelligence still you may trace ; 
But beaten and buffeted by the storm. 
And sunk to the depths of disgrace. 

Defaced is the image to him once given, 

In pollution of sin defiled ; 

Now blasted are his hopes of heaven, - 

In dissipation and pleasures wild. 

You may be built courageous and strong, 

Just as the staunchest and strongest ship ; 

Still not be able to weather some storm, 

That crosses your path in your trip. 

Physical manhood, vigor and power. 

That on you once luster shed, 

You have surrendered in an evil hour; 

Now you're a walking skeleton — dead. 

"An epitome of life's experience," 

May be thus in a few words run : 

A chapter of melanchol}^ ending; 

A life by wickedness,, undone. 

Can we wrap the mantle of charity 

Over character ruined and lost? 

AVhen sold are honor and integrity, 



PLEASANT THINGS. 76 

Who can compute the fearful cost? 

Place all the transient pleasures of the world, 

On a true unvarying scale ; 

Thebt to elevate the soul immortal, 

Will most lamentably fail. 

An astronomer directs his telescope 
Across the disc of the heavens blue ; 
A radiant planet before unknown. 
Leaped across the professor's view. 
In the lapse of time had passed many years, 
In the age of this starry host; 
But when he tried to find it again, 
Retreating in space it was lost. 

The star of hope in the morning hour 

Sheds no illuminating ray, 

On the sunken ship down fathoms deep. 

That unluckily went astray. 

Of all the heart-rending shipwrecks, 

Known, sunken in part or whole. 

Is the human figment — totally ruined ; 

The wreck of the human soul. 



PLEASANT THINGS. 



Banish away your sad repining, 
Your growling, fretting, whining, 
And the evil that it brings ; 
A cheerful mind is always best,, 
A welcome and delightful guest ; 
We speak of pleasant things. 

There may be endless causes great, 
To ruffle, grind and irritate, 
And needless troubles give ; 
Control your temper, keep serene ; 
Try to observe the "golden mean ;" 
And thus in comfort live. 

A cheerful heart's a continual feast, 
Let yours and mine be this at least, 
A fount where kindness flows ; 



76 HAWAII: CHIEF CITY— HONOLULU. 

We thus may banish useless strife, 
Enjoy, prolong and comfort life ; 
And banish half its woes. 

A pleasant and contented mind, , 
The truest riches that I find, 
^ Whose fires are fed on love; 
]• Not all the floods of earth can drown ; 
It steady burns the whole year round. 
Whose incense flies above. 

Let our domiciles be kept ablaze 
With love, content and peace always, 
And earth won't seem so sad ; 
For these pursued, their victories bring, 
A refreshing and perennial spring, 
^ Whose waters make you glad. 

And now, dear friend, observe this way. 

Keep temper, bound the live-long day ; 

For joy eternal springs 

In every soul, and human breast, 

Of love and joy and peace possessed ; 

We speak of pleasant things. 



HAWAII: CHIEF CITY— HONOLULU. 



Oh tropical Honolulu, 

We need your coffee, rice ; 

Step into Uncle Sam's dominions. 

And he will treat you nice. 

You may not need, his overcoats, 

His whiskey or his ham ; 

While nature grows you all you need, 

You can fatten on your yam. 

Oh, tropical Honolulu, 

Lone city of the sea ; 

"Uncle Samuel" likes a "Sandwich," 

And may not object to thee. 

You need his fatherly protection, 

And no barbaric queen. 

Whom Cleveland tried to place in power ; 

About whom there's nothing mean. 



THE CHAPLAIN'S PRAYER. 77 

From San Francisco's g-olden gate, 

To Honoluhi's shore, 

Thro' the grand Pacific Ocean, 

Two thousand miles or more, 

Yet Uncle Sam is truly able. 

With his giant iron-sides, 

To give you a government stable. 

And other boons besides. 

We dream not of universal empire; 
Since your wish is to be free. 
We can in a magnanimous spirit, 
Adopt a child like thee. 
Oh, sea-bound Sandwich Islands. 
Tho' neither large nor great. 
You'll soon form part of the dominion, 
. Of our Uncle Sam's estate. 

The effete European systems, 
Can here be tried no more ; 
Nor trumping up fraudulent claims, 
Upon Columbia's shore. 
The feudal times of lords and barons, 
Cannot be repeated here ; 
For rotten European systems, 
Must some day disappear. 
Note — This Island now is a part of our dominion. 



THE CHAPLAIN'S PRAYER. 



Extract from the 'Tittsburg Times." The Chaplain of the 
House of Representatives of Penn'a., eloquently prayed — 
"That after the struggles of this life are all over, the mem- 
bers may all go to a land where there is no winter." 

The chaplain eloquently prayed, 
That the members all may go, 
■ When life's struggles are all over, 
To a land where storms don't blow, 
Where there is no harassing winter. 
Where icebergs cannot flow, 
Fanned by mild ethereal breezes, 
Where they don't shovel snow. 



78 DEFEATED. 

Where the sunbeams play and linger, 

Where golden linnets sing, 

Where a never-ending summer. 

Is but perpetual spring: 

Where the people live and flourish, 

And never have a cause 

To complain or fret or murmur. 

At bad opj)ressive laws. 

That in some fantastic island, 

Those legislators rest, 

In some distant far Elysium, 

Some island of the blest. 

Where the mild winds of the tropics, 

In refreshing currents blow. 

Imparting life and health and vigor. 

Where they don't shovel snow. 

For this zealous wish, forgive us ; 
It would be a lasting boon, 
If half those so-called legislators. 
Were transported to the moon. 
While living an unmitigated nuisance ; 
They will more than likely go 
To that uncongenial climate, 
Where they don't shovel snow. 



DEFEATED. 

Vox populi, vox dei : — ''The voice of the people, the voice of 
God." 

In contesting a prize how hard to be beat, 
To suffer the lashings that come from defeat ; 
When by some combination we are overthrown. 
We pause and reflect to know how it was done; 
While fits of despondency knock at our heart, 
To know that some other has led in the start ; 
To know that we fought every inch of the ground. 
Yet our rival succeeded in turning us down. 

Whether our fault or misfortune we cannot know ; 
We may have made an implacable foe. 
Who hesitates not our course to impede, 



DEFEATED. 79 

And has his revenge in our hour of need. 
False friends are turned to secret foes ; 
They give us the hand-shake ; in secret oppose ; 
They lavish courtesy on us ; their tongues are glib, 
While they plunge their dagger under our rib. 

In the great whirligig of ups and downs, 
The people a nobody sometimes crowns ; 
True excellence and worth, no doubt, 
Are put to an ignominious route. 
The unreasoning multitudes clamor loud ; 
Raise to power the vilest man in the crowd ; 
Thus swayed by passion or prejudice, 
Men seldom reason in matters like this. 

Thus while some win, others must lose, 

And reach not the point their hearts did choose ; 

But neverthless defeat brings pain ; 

Some never have heart to run again. 

Countless numbers lie low to-ray, 

Beneath the mound of crumbling clay. 

Who labored to win, yet they were beat, 

And sunk down to the grave because of defeat. 

We need not mention the case of Clay, 

Who was the most prominent man of his day ; 

Nor that of Greely who died full soon. 

The founder great of the New York Tribune. 

Nor need we repeat to the world again, 

The unsuccessful canvass of Blaine; 

We need not startle the world when we state, 

Death seeks the unsuccessful candidate. 

Men of superior worth do not always win. 
While the crowd may push a subaltern in ; 
And we sometimes doubt the truth of the cry, 
That rings abroad: ''Vox populi, vox dei." 
But be this as it may, in each nation's trend, 
Things will rectify themselves in the end ; 
If in a noble cause we are forced to retreat. 
No dishonor is ours when we meet defeat. 



SPEECH, ''COPIA VERBORUM." 



Quatrain — A Noble cause. 



The noblest cause may be a moment set back; 
But it can never be wholly defeated, 
While the ternal Jehovah reigns supreme. 
On the throne of the universe seated. 



SPEECH, "COPIA VERBORUM"— Fluency of Speech. 



Have you ever thought of the power of speech, 

That attribute of the soul? 

When reason and judgment sit supreme, 

How great is its control ! 

The glowing fires that inward burn. 

Will mould or melt the heart ; 

Will animate the breast of stone. 

Make life and being start. 

Of all the arts by heaven bestowed, 

Making human logic beam. 

The most excellent gift of eloquence, 

Remains the one supreme. 

It is the mighty engine of power. 

That vividly portrays 

The springs of learning, genius, art, 

In thousand different ways. 

In simple strains the bard may write, 

Desiring much to please; 

May sing of nature in all her moods, 

But contemptible are these, 

When all the fires of living thought. 

In radiant glories burn ; 

When earth doth almost pause to hear, 

Ecstatic in its turn. 

Grant me at least some of the power, 

By Cicero displayed, 

That living souls may feel the touch, 

And stony hearts be made 

To beat, pulsate and feel the thrill 

Of quickened true desire ; 

Be elevated to the mount of 

Heaven's most sacred fire. 



THE DEFEAT OF XERXES. 81 

Ten thousand instruments seem weak ; 

Art as yet cannot rejoice, 

In producing any instrument — 

Excel the human voice. 

Oh voice more potent than all wonders, 

That our globe can e'er display ! 

In the still small voice, or Sinai's thunders, 

Thou hast a potent sway. 

Earth's instruments in one acclaim, 

May make a chorus loud ; 

But at the magic of the human voice, 

The hardest heart is bowed. 

When earth's accounting day shall come, 

And men shall cease to preach, 

The armies of the universe shall still, 

Retain the powers of speech. 



THE DEFEAT OF XERXES. 



Xerxes was a great Persian monarch who flourished about 
485 B. C. 

We read in annals of ancient story, 

That over two thousand years ago, 

The Persian monarchy in all its glory. 

Before attempting Greece to overthrow. 

The mighty monarch Xerxes had constructed 

A strong fleet of three thousand sail. 

Comprising a Mediterranean squadron, 

That he thought no power on earth could quail. 

The Hellespont was hurriedly bridged over; 

Boat lashed to boat, a bridge did form 

A pathway for the millions of his soldiers, 

Who were commanded the Grecian works to storm. 

But vain and presumptuous monarch. 

Puffed up with vain glory, pomp and pride ; 

The bridge of boats just recently constructed, 

Were dashed to pieces by the fury of the tide. 

The engineers who had this bridge constructed, 
He did before his august presence bring: 
Ordered them one and all to be beheaded. 



THE DEFEAT OF XEKXES. 

To appease the wrath of this angry King. 
The sea, he scourged with thongs and fetters, 
Which into the yawning waves were thrown. 
To show the sea, he was its master ; 
That the waves must his influence own. 

The Spartan King Leonidas had collected 
A small army which he ordered hence. 
To guard the pass Thermopylae, 
Then standing, make a strong defense. 
Heroic Spartan's in their glory stood ; 
They, against Xerxes' millions made 
A phalanx of unyielding strength, 
Until by traitors vile betrayed. 

The Persian fleet around Sunium sailed ; 
On slopes of Mount Aegaloes a throne 
This presumptuous Xerxes had erected. 
To command the greatest armies ever known. 
Old Sol, all day long did light the combat ; 
The Spartans, their enemy did defeat ; 
When lo, at eve, the Grecians conquered. 
Dispersing this mighty Persian fleet. 

A wreck of more magnificent sail, 

The world has never since beheld ; 

The beaten hosts of Xerxes back returned. 

Overwhelmed on old Plataea's field. 

The Grecian arms now restored to power. 

At once set numerous islands free ; 

While Xerxes was beat, dismayed, disgraced. 

The victorious Grecians ruled the sea. 



Back to the Hellespont he, his scattered forces. 
Marched in a quite tumultuous train ; 
But the storm King of those angry waters, 
Destroyed the bridge that had built again. 
This haughty monarch had proposed his plans. 
But his millions, by no means, could prevail ; 
His retreating army miserably perished, 
And so did all his plans of conquest fail. 



MORNING CALL-. 83 

MORNING CALLS. 



Dedicated to those women who have no time to spend in their 
own homes. 

The wind may blow, come storm or snow, 
Come fearful angry squalls ; 
, This lady meek, of whom I speak, 
Is making her morning calls. 

She's always in a hurry, a sort of a flurry, 
Yet, she somehow continues to wait; 
Her closing speech, she never can reach, 
Till away outside of the gate. 

She goes to town to see Mrs. Brown, 
To whom she unfolds her tale ; 
Now she is found to be fully wound. 
So her speech can never fail. 

At the hour of ten, this cackling hen, 
Continues to vent her noise; 
The maid slinks away in dread dismay, 
When she reaches out for the boys. 

The hour of noon has come too soon, 
For like a continued story, 
She never stops prates of balls and ''hops," 
Till she seems in a blaze of glory. 

The hour of two has come, it is true, 
Her tongue still keeps up a batter; 
Till the kitchen maid, scratches her head. 
And inquires what is the matter. 

The hour of four has come once more ; 
Her baby jumps and squalls ; 
"Be quiet dear, your ma is not here. 
She is making morning calls." 

There, the good man comes, on his bucket drums ; 
The clock strikes the hour of six; 
That the stove is cold, you need not be told;, 
Our lady's in a good-sized fix. 



84 QUATRAINS. 

The moral is clear to all who may hear, 

As plain as the nose on your face ; 

That the woman whose tongue is always strung, 

Will assuredly fall from grace. 



QUAlTR'AINS— On Mlisic. 

The world had sat in deep darkness for ages ; 
'Twas midnight on Bethlehem's plain, 
When music broke forth from the heavenly choir; 
All nations have sung the refrain. 

What is that enrapturing music 
Enchanting to the ears? 
Mellifluous as the breath of heaven, 
The music of the spheres. , 

Orpheus took his harp in his hand, 
Down to the gloomy shades ; 
His music soothed the hadean king, 
Where no living man invades. 

You made me happy with your music. 
The King of Orpheus said : 
"Take back to earth your Eurydike," 
Who had from the living fled. 

Hear ye that child in his gleesome prattle, 
In beauty of innocence mild ; 
Sweet as the chorus of angel voices, 
The laughter and mirth of the child. 

A poor needy one came over my way; 
I shared of my pittance a part ; 
His thanks touched a chord in my soul. 
Whose music still chimes in my heart. 

Music is the universal language. 
From heaven's own courts was brought ; 
In which earth's most touching rhapsodies, 
Were by the early masters taught. 



"NEW YEARS." 
'NEW YEAR'S— 1896-1903.' 



We have reached in our life another mile stone ; 

And now it plainly appears, 

We are each going on his journey alone, 

Away down the vista of years. 

We have reached a point in life's brief span, 

When we stop and meditate, 

How short at best is the life of man, 

And the years to come so great. 

Does retrospection bring back to view 
The past with its failings great? 
Our errors of life we can now review 
For a moment and contemplate. 
Making some more resolutions anew. 
Lopping off some familiar sin ; 
In the year of grace, eighteen-ninety-six, 
May be a proper time to begin. 

The foot prints of time are visibly seen; 
His marks appear on our brow; 
His hoary frost on our head is seen ; 
He is writing our history now. 
Make a starting point for some noble aim ; 
Cast away your doubts and fears ; 
If you ever reach the niche of fame, 
You can welcome each "New Years." 

New Year marks a definite space of time; 

The stars a measure have trod ; 

Those that sang in creations' prime, 

Still follow in their orbits abroad. 

Natures forces are posing in grand review ; 

We are drifting to years unknown, 

Where we shall new lessons and studies pursue, 

In the light that proceeds from the throne. 

We have reached in our life another mile-stone. 
How is it, my friend, with thee? 
Are you drifting along as a thing unknown, 
Soon to be lost in time's endless sea? 



HOUSEHOLD EESTEAINT. 



Or have you some happy prospect in view? 
Then, stop and begin right here ; 
Some good for yourself or your neighbor do ; 
And thus spend each passing year. 



house:hoi.d restraint. 



Talk of your dainty rooms and roseate floors, 
Upholstered sets and rich curtained doors; 
With furniture cushioned in damasks fine, 
And bric-a-brac of the latest design. 
With tropical flov^ers arrayed in full bloom, 
While exegetics encumber the room ; 
These must attract in their beauty so bright; 
And pride must give way to the ethics of right. 

The rooms may be covered with carpetings rare; 

And sweet strains of music enliven the air; 

A veritable palace indeed it may be; 

All modern equipments in it you sec. 

A library the best that money can buy. 

Authors piled up promiscuous high; 

Are all these attractions sufficiently great, 

To keep boys at home and perfectly straight? 

A palace tho' gilded with fine burnished gold, 
So that it no ornaments further can hold, 
With the lamp of Aladdin new objects reveal; 
Emotions of pleasure and wonder we feel, 
So that our longings no further aspire ; 
Fruition gives more than heart can desire. 
Yet all these will clog on the mind of a boy; 
He seeks from home some unripened joy. 

You may talk of confining a boy in a house ; 
A boy is not built with instincts of a mouse ; 
He may meet with mishaps in experience school, 
And fresh aspirations may suddenly cool. 
Disappointment or failure may dampen his pride; 
Yet he has brilliant schemes that must be tried. 
Some untoward hap may alter his plan ; 
But such is transition from boyhood to man. 



SUMMEE DAYS. 87 

There's in the mind of a boy ambition, unrest; 
For the fires of thought burn deep in his breast; 
While true independence reigns in him alone, 
He longs for the day when he power shall own. 
Talk of rearing your boys as a tender house plant ; 
We're glad to know that's something you can't. 
The boy amounts to nothing, tho' meek as a saint, 
Who is totally ruined by household restraint. 

The boy with ambition and zeal in his breast. 

Cannot in seclusion in any home rest ; 

He day and night studies some new design, 

Which when completed will aid human kind. 

No corner can hold, nor palace of art ; 

He longs for the time to perform his part. 

Give your boys some freedom — no time for complaint; 

Don't kill aspiration by household restraint. 



SUMMER DAYS. 



Bright summer days at last have come. 
With all its merry hours, 
Bringing delights to every home. 
From Elysian bowers. 

Matchless spring in varied grandeur. 
Has left the joyous scene; 
So in comes summer clad in splendor, 
In most bewitching mien. 

How grand and pleasing to behold 
The songsters on each tree, 
Chanting ther anthems manifold. 
And sweetest notes of glee. 

They all in happy union join. 
They seem to talk of love ; 
Mellifluous voices all combine, 
Their happiness to prove. 

Would that the realm of human kind, 
Would now their time employ, 
In throwing all distress behind; 
Unite in nature's joy. 



88 LIFE'S PROBLEM. 

What tho' sweet summer has been sung, 
A thousand times before, 
The subject still remains as young, 
As when poets sang of yore. 

Creation's dreams displayed anew, 
On every hand are seen ; 
And nature doth her age renew, 
In fields of vivid green. 

This lesson to the mind of man. 
Should not be wholly lost ; 
Make hay in summer while you can. 
For autumn brings the frost. 

Oh, what a mortal sin it is, 
To grumble and be sad, 
In this a world of so much bliss ; 
So much to make you glad. 

Then let us sing our sweetest song. 
Let former misery go ; 
For this will sure our life prolong; 
Make Paradise below. 



LIFErS PROBLEM. 



There is none in the world seated so high. 

But some one may be higher : 

There is no limit 'twixt the earth and sky, 

To which we may not aspire. 

The road that many millions tread. 

Will lead down to disaster; 

While some in the race may forge ahead. 

They may reach their goal no faster. 

The world's knocks may seem cjuite hard; 
But some may be struck much harder ; 
Some event unknown may our plans retard, 
And wreck us outside of the harbor. 
Towering as mountains high are human ills ; 
A study of which is distressing; 
But when true content our bosom fills, 
This forms our life's great blessing. 



LIFE'S PROBLEM. 

Some would the fickle god pursue, 
Whose foot-steps lead to honor ; 
With this bewitching bauble in view 
They "assiduous wait upon her." 
When they in full possession sit, 
This fickle goddess of power, 
May hurl them down to the dismal pit, 
At some un propitious hour. 

Men's own misdeeds bring endless woe; 

On every hand are crosses : 

None can sum up or yet foreknow, 

The amount of human losses. 

The streams are clear on the mountain high, 

The icicles above are pendant ; 

So all true wisdom comes from the sky, 

Upon Faith and Hope attendant. 

This problem of life is hard to solve, 
Can't we make our plans much better? 
Great trusts in life upon each devolve, 
The creditor well as the debtor. 
Some worthy object attracts your gaze, 
Then to this worthy place aspire ; 
And upward steadily fix your eyes ; 
The end may crown your desire. 

Why should you pervert your Creator's plan, 

By falling lower and lower? 

When God in his providence made you man. 

He endowed you with some of His power. 

The humblest thing is made for use, 

In the gigantic plan of creation ; 

Then do not your hum_ble gifts abuse, 

But feel thankful for your station. 

Discontinue this moan and sad repine ; 
The stars in the heaven seem clearer ; 
Clouds brushed aside they brightly shine. 
Showing our day of prosperity nearer. 
Through the hazy mist of human cloud. 
We observe a golden lining tender; 
Looking up for a moment when were bowed. 
Behold the heavens shining in splendor. 



90 REPUTATION. 

I would I could trace with an angel's pen, 

The earth's great surcease of sorrow; 

But let us act as becomes good men. 

And no useless trouble borrow. 

Will your name be recorded in the "Book of Life,' 

Engraved on its roll of honor ? 

You can do some good in this vale of strife ; 

Be immortalized as the donor. 



REIPUTATION. 



When the noblest gift from heaven descended 

On surging billows of flame, 

By celestial retinues attended, 

Swift to our rolling planet came, 

One from the Empyrean heights of heaven. 

Sought only an humble station ; 

The gods assembled had given him name; 

One happy indeed — called "Reputation." 

When "virtue" displayed her talisman rare. 
Whose powers are great and unbounded. 
To reclaim the fallen — the foul make fair ; 
The world was wholly astounded. 
But in magical pinions from aloft, 
The highest gift to civilization, 
Descended swift to the shores of time; 
On its banner was borne — "Reputation." 

Bright "genius" in oriental emblems, 

Triumphant, her wonders here displayed ; 

Mankind was as a slave led captive. 

By the brilliant display she made. 

But the gods sought in vain for a gem more fair, 

In the limitless fields of creation ; 

For engraved on the arch of the universe wide. 

In letters of gold stands — "Reputation." 

Traverse if you will the realms of space, 
Ascend the highest dome of heaven ; 
Searching Utopia's boundless paradise, 
And choose the best thing given, 



MY BROKEN IDOL. 91 

You will find this princely gift to men, 
Grandest in the bounds of all creation; 
For heaven is lost and earth is hell 
When you mourn as lost your — ''Reputation." 



MY BROKEN IDOL. 



I never idolized an object 

Made of inanimate clay, 

But by some stroke of rude misfortune, 

Was sure to be taken away. 

And the ties by which we were bound, 

Were ruthlessly torn apart ; 

As the cords of affection were severed, 

It pulled a string from my heart. 

Why do the dread shafts of misfortune, 

Their fiinted arrows conceal, 

Wounding hearts that are true and united. 

Who nought for each other can feel 

But emotions lasting and tender, 

A divine undying flame? 

Oh, why this tearing asunder. 

Whose souls and hearts are the same? 

It has been said the most beautiful flower. 

Will soonest wither and fade ; 

And those whom we love most tenderly, 

Soonest deep in the grave are laid. 

And we grieve at the fate of one adored, 

Whose gentle presence here, 

Brought us joy and peace and sunshine, 

As light from some other sphere. 

We never idolize an object, 

But some cruel dart and fell, 

Will strike and pierce the lovely being, 

Whom we have loved so well. 

We must tender this our true devotion, 

Perennial in its bloom ; 

And cherish the memory of our angel, 

Now laid in the narrow tomb. 



9^ GOING to HIGH SCHOOL. 

GOING TO HIGH SCHOOL. 



A personal' sketch, respectfully dedicated to my old friends 
and classmates, H. J. Dible, of Murrysville, Pa., and J. 
f C. Boyce, of Sardis. 

Henry and I were school-mates together ; 
But this was thirty some years ago ; 
Thousands of changes have been in the weather, 
But no change did our friendship know. 
Some became lawyers, editors, doctors, 
Others became prominent men in the church ; 
But Henry and I taught ''District School," 
And were known to handle the birch. 

"Excelsior," our motto, we pushed right ahead, 
With determination and energy, too; 
To stand at the very top of our class, 
Was a thing that we always could do, 
While some were coquetting and fooling. 
And passing their studies hurriedly by. 
We spent no time in silly chit — chatting ; 
And we knew what was meant by "apply." 

"Oves, non ubique tondentur" — a translation 
Of which seemed to puzzle a boy, who 
Rendered it— "eggs are not always broken by thunder," 
Thinking this was the proper translation too. 
But passing across on the "Pons assinorum," 
Was but a shuffling way to recite ; 
And the bridge that carries an ass across. 
May be constructed of timbers too light. 

"Eggs are not always broken by thunder." 
The very best teachers and schools, 
Will fail to put brains where nature denied. 
And the world is still peopled with fools. 
And the scholar of wonderful brilliancy. 
Who did little time in studying spend, 
Was soon overtaken and left in the race. 
By the student who closely did studies attend. 



GOING TO HIGHSCHOOL. 93 

But forty years work changes mind and body; . ; . , - 

The aspirations we then did find, 

Have fled like troubled phantoms at night; 

And undeceived is the matured mind. 

Contact with the busy striving world around, 

Has brushed many fond conceits away; 

We stand as ex-pedagogues ; did our work ' , 

In the cause of education, at an earlier day. 

We taught ''the young idea how to shoot ;" 

Enforced as we could the "Golden Rule ;" 

And sharply used the rod betimes, 

When other devices failed in school. 

Talk about ruling a city, controlling a state, . 

Officers handy to enforce 3^our will ; 

But to govern a group of mischievous boys, 

Needs greater executive ability still. 

Tho' in other employments now engaged, 
We are not ashamed the world to tell. 
We put conscience into the work Ave did ; 
Making it always a point to excel. 
A pittance of twenty dollars per month. 
Could neither make us rich or great ; 
Yet we saved a little more than we spent, 
Thus adding a trifle to our estate. 

A new generation has appeared on the scene ;' 
Gone many acquaintances well-known here ; 
So' you and I will soon be laid on the shelf, 
And in a few more years disappear. 
But the beautiful chain of friendship formed. 
When we studied together at school, '■ 

Shall never be sundered or broken in twain. 
While we remain here on God's foot-stool. 

Henry and I went to school together; 
This was thirty some years ago ; 
A Providence kind has spared our lives. 
For still further usefulness here below. 
Our life's streams are pulsating anew ; 



94 MILD OCTOBER. 

Our heart beats warm, our emotions come, 
When we think of departed friends of youth 
Who left us ; — but we, too, shall be gathered home. 
Notes. — Excelsior — higher; more elevated. Oves now ubi- 
que tondentur^Sheep are not everywhere shorn. Ex- 
pedagogues — Teachers out of the business. 
Pons assinorum — The bridge of asses. Our high school — 
Leechburg, Penna. Death has claimed class-mate J. C. 
Boyce. 



MILD OCTOBER. 



Beautiful pleasant mild October, 

When the summer comes to grief; 

The woods have changed to crimson color, 

To prepare the falling leaf. 

Now the forest is tinged with sadness ; 

Hushed the song of singing bird ; 

The late vocal strains of gladness, 

Are now no longer heard. 

Now the golden blaze of sunset. 
Puts on sympathizing hue ; 
The autumn clouds in sombre jet, 
Over-hang the skies in blue. 
And quick beneath the horizon. 
The glinting sunshine fades ; 
When deeper chilliness coming on. 
O'er nature's face pervades. 

The shifting winds in mild cadences, 
Begin to whisper in the ear: 
'The harvests' over, the summer ended," 
And declining is the year. 
We now pluck the ripened fruitage, 
Grapes of the luscious vine. 
Which may be used for better purpose, 
Than the making into wine. 

Capricious, mild, serene October, 

We note thy plaintive cry; 

For the winds a dirge are singing, 



THE COXYITE. 96 

And the dark waves, quick reply. 

But we true enjoyments now, 

May in abundance reap ; 

Life's labors with success are crowned; 

Then, why should mortals weep? 

Beautiful gathered fruits of the earth! 
The promise doth still remain : 
'Seed-time and harvest shall come and go," 
Our garners be filled with grain. 
We must have time for luxurious growth, 
That summer is sure to bring; 
But the mellow fruit of October, 
Transcends the promise of spring. 

When the Lord of the harvest shall come. 
With his sheaves of golden grain, 
We shall be gathered to our home ; 
For our life has not been in vain. 
A simile of man's condition ; 
We shall be gathered at last, — 
Hope shall be changed to full fruition, 
When our October is past. 



THE COXYITE. 



America needs no Coxyite, 

An excressence on the soil, 

Who would live without some labor, 

Who would neither spin nor toil ; 

Who would lead a life nomadic, 

And beg his share of food; 

A pestiferous ''dead-beat," bummer. 

That serves no earthly good. 

The world owes no man a living 

Who despises honest work ; 

Who neither uses brain or muscle. 

But always aims to shirk. 

The world needs no such tramping armies. 

Who would despoil the landscape fair; 

Want of property re-distribution, 

So that they may get a share. 



96 THE PEOPLE HAVE SPOKEN. 

Why in the scale of human being 

Will any creature fast descend, 

'Till low as the brute creation, 

That has neither aim nor end ? 

Men were created for some purpose, 

Each in his accustomed sphere; 

But the worthless tramp who feeds on others, 

Has no worthy or business here. 

There are countless social heresies, 

By which men would despoil, 

Those who by frugality earn riches 

As the result of honest toil. 

No "communism" in this free land; 

Those who would prosper, thrive. 

Must earn their bread by their own hand; 

Thus in independence live. 

"A space there is for every creature," 
Is a saying true and trite ; 
For foreordained is human labor. 
And who says it is not right? 
Pestiferous anarchy or socialism, 
Of whatever type or breed, 
Will be summarily dealt with ; 
For such our people do not need. 

Notes. — The term was applied to a worthless army of tramps 
who followed "Gen." Coxy to Washington City, to force 
Congress to pass some measures of relief, in March and 
April, 1894. 



THE PEOPLE HAVE SPOKEN— "Populi Regnant.' 



The people have spoken — have spoken once more. 
With the thunder-like tones of Niagara's roar ; 
Like the fierce-rolling storm, the swift-sweeping blast, 
Like swift meteors down from the firmament cast, 
The hordes of corruption, of political crime, 
That swindled the people in a manner sublime. 
Have received a set-back, a great calling down. 
From the lakes to the sea, to the populous town. 



MOVE ONVVAKD O TIME 97 

The people have spoken, have spoken again ; 
The valleys are filled with the hosts of the slain ; 
The ballot more potent than cannon or ball, 
Is the safe-g-uard of freedom, a redress to all. 
Woe will bef"all the party, as well as the man, 
That does for its country the worst that it can ; 
No patriot living shall his infamy own ; 
People shall rejoice when he is overthrown. 

History its lessons may often repeat ; 
And men over-burdened may beg and entreat 
Those haughty courtiers, who in defiance still, 
May continue to thwart the popular will. 
Until those oppressed, in thralldom held down, 
May burst their bonds with a mighty bound; 
Then as lashed by the waves of the raging sea. 
Those shall buried in oblivion be. 



MOVE ONWARD, O TIME. 
Answer to^ — "Rock Me to Sleep." 



Move onward, oh years, in thy course sublime. 
Would we block the Avheels of swift-rolling time? 
Would we change time's dial, its hands turn back, 
Stop the earth's revolutions around on its track ; 
Call our friends back from that fair sunny shore ; 
Do things that are foolish a thousand times more? 
These are the states of a fanciful brain, 
When reason succumbs to illusions insane. 

It is vain to wish back the stream of our years, 
With its trials, temptations and sorrowing tears; 
It is also quite silly, and imbecile, vain. 
To wish for return of our childhood again. 
Have we not had enough of harassing care? 
Ay, more than the troubled heart can bear ; 
Then, why resurrect joys or sufferings dead. 
And mourn pale ghosts of opportunities fled? 

We would not pick up pebbles on Lethe's shore. 
Where the winds are silent, and no waves roar ; 
Nor delusive apples on Dead Sea's plain. 
Which when touched turn to ashes again ; 



98 OUK BOYS. 

Nor call up spirits from the 'Vasty deep," 
Who are presumed to enjoy their peaceful sleep ; 
And our parents at rest beyond time's woes, 
We would not disturb their calm repose. 

And tho' o'er our homes deep shadows have flown, 
We have many joys and adversities known, 
We would not, had we the power at will, 
Wish for the touch of a hand that is still. 
Poor Orpheus, alas, his labors were in vain. 
To bring back to earth his Eurydike again, 
Learn by heart this lesson, where'er our lot is cast; 
It is folly to recall the dim shadows of the past. 

Would we open wide the portals of the chrystal gate. 
And usher airy legions into this our mortal state? 
The hoary past bring back to our vision, anew. 
With its myriad repulses chilling to our view? 
Tho' our childhood days have fled, many years ago, 
We would not wish them back ; a thousand times no. 
We as grown up children, must our daily vigils keep ; 
And Ave want no kind mother, to rock us now to sleep. 

Weird fancies will oft unsolicited find 
Their way to the partly-unbalanced mind ; 
But no one on earth desires now to seek 
A kiss from the pale, cold, ghostly cheek ; 
Nor would we wish to see the shadowing hosts 
From the realms of Hades, wandering ghosts. 
Away with such sickly sentiments so vain ; 
And brush aside the cob-webs from the brain, 

Notes — Lethe — A river of the lower world whose waters 
caused forgetfulness in those who drank them. 

Orpheus — A musician whose skill in music was such that the 
trees and rocks followed him. 



OUR BOYS. 

Exuberance of spirit is theirs to enjoy; 
Cheerfulness with them abides ; 
Good humor's their constant feast of the soul. 
While innocence in them resides. 



OUR BOYS. 99 

Do they make a general racket around 
Commingled with laughter and noise? 
Must repression be used to turn them down. 
Checking the merriment of those boys? 

Ah no, we cannot ; this their hour of freedom ; 
Their time to. play with their toys ; 
Their time for romping and skipping around; 
For enthusiastic are the souls of the boys. 
Physical exercise aids them in growth ; 
They were not made to be resigned ; 
Development true remains with the boy, 
Who cultures both body and mind. 

Go on in your ebullition of spirit ; 

What if grandpa does sometimes scold ; 

His notions are changed ; perhaps too sullen : 

But boys must be boys, if parents grow old. 

Many old folks seem to forget the truth, 

That in youth they loved frolic too ; 

And hopped and skipped and played leap-frog, 

As our healthy boys now all do. 

Mount your hobby-horse, boots and spurs ; 

Ride your tricycle wheel with speed ; 

Develop your bust, and strengthen your lungs ; 

Such healthy athletics you need. 

And if they drop in hungry and tired, 

On the floor too heavily tread, 

Remember that play is much better than physic; 

And pills are much dearer than bread. 

While violence and rudeness we would deplore, 
A spirit of selfishness mean despise ; 
There is nothing in all this world too good. 
For our romping good-natured boys. 
Soon laborious work of the world is theirs, 
With its stupendous mountain of care ; 
When papa and mamma have left them, 
They must then their perplexities bear. 

Long be continued the joys of the children. 
Before genuine trials are known, 
When mirth and frolic mingled with glee, 
Mark the hours they call their own. 

1 ' .'^ 

L. C' Kt, 



100 THE UNEXPECTED. 

Go' ahead and fire your Chinese crackers ; 
Make smoke and whooping and noise ; 
For the genuine life of the world to-day, 
Beats alone in the breast of the boys. 

Some new invention may the world appall, 
Changing methods of work to channels unknown, 
Which gives to the world more genuine value, 
Than the much-hunted philosopher's stone. 
Happy is the man as well as the nation, 
Who his God-given genius employs ; 
For if e'er the millennium reaches us, 
It must be ushered in by the boys. 

Dear parents, then cease your fretting and murmur, 
Open for a moment that bosom of thine ; 
Let the boys enjoy life while they may; 
For now is their day of bright sunshine. 
With good training and morals equip them, 
While you still have the power to advise ; 
For God has made the earth for His children; 
There is nothing too good for our boys. 



the; unexpected. 



'Heaven from all creatures hides the book of fate." — Pope. 

Are you some worthy object pursuing 

In city or country or state ? 

Are you the goddess of fortune awooing, 

And hoping to dine with the great? 

Or, are you rapidly downward agoing 

At a horrible break neck speed? 

The kind of record you now are making, 

Mankind is not slow to heed. 

Perhaps the original plan of your canvasi. 
On which you your fortune tried, 
By some indirection wholly unknown, 
May have been suddenly turned aside; 
The pleasing hopes and plans you cherished, 
By which you would guide your course, 
Have by some fatality quickly perished, 
As by an irresistible force. 



THE UNEXPECTED. 101 

In occult chambers of mind deep hidden, 
Are the mysterious sources of thought; 
And when we start to write the beginning, 
Of the finishing touch, we know nought. 
But the inspiration by which we indite 
Word after word, line upon line, 
Is a power that guides and directs our thoughts, 
Not of wholly our own design. 

We plan our campaign with well-drawn maps ; 

We think we see clearly through ; 

But our best laid plans have dire mishaps ; 

One thing we attempt, another we do. 

The greatest mind may in some things fail ; 

No oracle yet has been tried, 

That can help us read the "Book of Fate," 

Which the present from mortals hides. 

Sometimes the objects and things we count and want, 

Are like forbidden fruit, denied ; 

Men's wishes the gods did not always grant, 

But oft gave them some gift beside. 

Thus things unexpected crowd in upon us, 

Whose lasting results we can't know ; 

That which we think unworthy of doing, 

May be the key to our fortune below. 

While great opportunities make great men. 

In learning, in warfare or art. 

Unknown men will rise on the spur of the moment, 

And perform a most wonderful part. 

Then how can we guess the predestined end, 

By which we successful may be, 

When thousands of human wrecks are seen, 

Floating like bubbles upon life's sea? 

A morsel of philosophy may taste good ; 

Do not worry the future about ; 

If you are now doing nothing but sawing wood, 

You can for other chances look out. 

It's a thousand times better we can't foresee 

Each event ere it happens here ; 

For the mind and soul would assuredly be 

Unable to stand the load of care. 



102 THE COURSE OF EMPIRE. 



There is no royal road to wealth or fame; 
Take hold of the work you like to pursue ; 
But if something unknown obstructs your course, 
Change your tactics like a soldier true. 
Application, perseverance and energy, 
Will work in your favor by odds ; 
Tho' you may not reach the mount of desire, 
You may sit at the feast of the gods. 
N'Ote^Gods here means great or good men. 



THE COURSE OF EMPIRE. 



"Totus mundus agit histrionem." "The whole world is a 
stage." 

Turn we our muse from this Western Nation, 
Cease a moment to worship at her shrines, 
"To a land where the lamp of glory still burns, 
And the light of immortality shines," 
To that civilization, ancient, historic. 
That hath girdled the globe like a chain; 
The conqueror, exemplar, teacher of nations, 
Whose glory had risen, but is fallen again. 

The grand course of empire now has descended. 

From the famed fields of the Orient trodden by war, 

Whose empires had begun, decayed and ended. 

Till progress in Occident Nations shines like a star. 

The "Delphian Oracle," no longer is sounding; 

So with Orpheus' harp and Apollo's lyre. 

Or is there yet in Eastern Hemisphere burning. 

The Persian's ancient and sacred fire? 

Turn we to that older land of philosophers, 
Renowned and distinguished in war or peace, 
When wisdom, belleslettres, and literature flourished 
In Athens renowned, the caiptol city of Greece. 
Ariseth there now a modern Pericles, 
Of whose wisdom and valor the ages tell yet. 
Who fought in the sacred cause of Democracy, 
Whose star had risen but not to set? 



THE COUESE OF EMPIRE. 103 

A reminiscence of Greece's ancient glory, 
The ruined Parthenon at Athens stands, 
Reminding nations that war's dread visitations, 
Have changed the maps of many lands. 
Where can we boast of modern orators or statesmen, 
Who can Plato in reasoning, or Socrates excel ? 
Of classic Thucydides and Xenophon. 
Shall all succeeding ages tell. 

Saio Plato: — "Virtue is one but aptly comprehended 
With wisdom, courage, temperance, thought ;" 
And would that our modern legislators mind 
The conservatism these great masters taught, 
The cardinal virtues, equity, equality, humanity 
Sit in ashes ; modern nations truly need 
Learn lessons how to treat their ill-used subjects; 
The oracle is silent ; he who runs may read. 

Socrates arraigned as an enemy of religion. 
This staid philosopher, the wisest of men 
Was found guilty and finally condemned, 
For denouncing vileness that was existing then. 
Miracles are no more wonderful than the changes. 
That "Father Time" has in later centuries rung up. 
Since immortal Socrates was condemned to die. 
By quaffing down the poisoned hemlock cup. 

The world still maligned its benefactors of true 
Enlightment, who in the noblest cause 
Have written laws and founded constitutions 
Making government much better than it was. 
Lycurgus wrote and enforced his own laws 
To establish discipline ; his people save 
By rigid enforcement of such; and the name 
"Spartan" is associated with the brave. 

To whom shall we liken the orator Demosthenes, 
Hurling philipics against the Delphian god? 
The world was filled with the fire of his eloquence. 
And denunciation that speaketh still abroad. 
Among statesmen of the. modern nations. 
Whose wisdom and eloquence are rare, 
Plato, D'emosthenes and Cicero, as speakers, 
Will very favorably at all times compare. 



104 THE COURSE OF EMPIRE. 

Next we speak of Alexander the conqueror, 

Whose kingdom at one time was the world great, 

Whose dream of universal empire was to merge 

The nations into a tribuary state. 

Old Carthage, Italy and Europe added. 

Were to be his by conquest, yet beside ; 

But while for universal empire planning, 

He took to drinking; in maddening fever died. 

Grand old nation reputed by Romulus founded ; 
After a reign of thirty years had passed him by. 
Was to his father Mars translated, the Martian heaven 
That hangs among the resplendent orbs on high. 
Gone are Janus and Vulcan ; also Vesta the goddess, 
Who did o'er homes destinies preside; 
The famous ''Sybilline Books" of fortune transient, 
That were once the Roman Senate's pride. 

Posthumous nation, ruined by arbitrament of war; 
We pause to think of Carthage's sad fate ; 
Defeat of Hannibal ; extermination of this city 
Renowned for wealth, resources, valor great. 
The eternal city on the Tiber sits a queen dethroned ; 
Once proud mistress of the world ; now she's shorn 
Of power to enthrall the nations ; a monument 
Of man's ambition : a Niobe quite forlorn. 

No more Roman legions countermarch, led by a 
Victorious Scipio between the Elbe and Rhine ; 
Hadrians troops as shadows pass ; repudiated 
Her claim to rule the nations by power divine. 
Shorn of her temporal power ; the nations (pay tribute) 
To Christs vicegerert holding St. Peter's Keys ; 
While her ban of excommunication lighth,^ sits, 
She labors for the reign of the "Prince of Peace." 

While oppression rules, revolutions must make changes 
In government; shaking thrones be felt; 
Yet we fear no raid by plundering *'Goth and Vandal," 
For the sturdy Anglo-Saxon, the Teuton and the Celt 
Must still remain the earth's supreme masters ; 
Will our globe's destinies finally control ; 
Their religion, language and their civilization. 
Must possess the earth, only bounded by the pole. 



ADDENDA. 105 

Religion, civilization, science, art and progress, 

Follow in the wake of the Anglo-Saxon tread ; 

He occupies; he plants his flag; he never retreats 

Once he has conquered; his outposts far ahead. 

His conquering army must reclaim the earth 

From bonds of heathendom ; he never reckons loss 

The Cresert must be in humiliation lowered 

By the crowning act of civilization, the lifting of the cross. 

What the future has in store for European powers, 
We know not; we suppose the holocaust of war 
Will wage in fury o'er the nation's, changing the map 
And boundaries of some kingdoms, and retard. 
The advance of righteousness ; but the end 
Will mark a great advance in liberty; 
False systems will topple over ; and the day 
Of revolution for better things is nigh. 



ADDENDA. 

Vast populations have been moving westward 
Steadily since pre-historic times ; 
As if by one mighty effort at concentration. 
The peoples have sought our Western climes. 
The world's scepter of learning, wealth and power, 
To Greece from bran^e old Persia passed ; 
For a while Italia reigned preeminent, 
But Great Britain held this power at last. - 

Like Bethlehem's star which steadily guided' 

The three kings with their treasure in the way. 

Till it stood still over the infant cradle, 

Pointing as a beacon where our Redeemer lay. 

So the star of Empire which in the East had risen. 

Where the seat of vast power once did rest. 

Has been steadily moving Occidental, 

Till it stands over the young empire of the West. 

May we improve on that ennobling civilization 
Which modern armament has rendered doubly strong, 
When the banner of Christ borne by His battalions, 
Will bear religion and freedom both along. 



106 ADDENDA. 

Turn we then from this, our Western Nation, 
To the homes of scholars and eminent divines, 
Whose lamp of glory still proudly burns, 
''And the light of immortality shines." 

Notes. — ''The Guebers" were a tribe of fire-worshippers in 
Persia. The "Delphian Oracle" of Greece, a deity sup- 
posed to give answers to inquiries. "Orient," the East; 
here used for eastern nations. "Occident," the West; here 
used for western nations. "Orpheus," a poet who could 
move inanimate objects by the power of his lyre. "Phoe- 
bus Apollo," a deity among the Greeks and Romans pre- 
siding over archery, medicine and music. "Belleslettres," 
polite literature. "Pericles," a great Grecian warrior and 
statesman. "Lycurgus," a great Spartan law-giver. 
"Parthenon," a celebrated temple of Minerva at Athens. 
"Socrates," the purest of moral philosophers, being in 
advance of his age, he was condemned to death, by being 
forced to drink a cup of hemlock poison. "Plaito and Xe- 
nophon," pupils of Socrates and the greatest moral teach- 
ers who' lived before Christ. "Thucydides," a renowned 
Grecian scholar. "Demosthenes," one of the greatest of 
Grecian orators. "Alexander the Great," a great king and 
general ; at one time ruler of the known world. He died 
from deliriums caused by strong drink. "Carthage," once 
a great city in Africa, but after a long siege was captured 
and destroyed by the Roman power. "Romulus," the re- 
puted founder of Rome, according to received chronology, 
753, B. C. "Mars," in ancient times, a deity; the god of 
war; now, one of our planets. "Martian heaven," a fancy 
of the ancients. "Niobe," the daughter of Tantalus who 
wept herself into a stone through grief at the death of her 
children, that were slain by Apollo. "Janus," a god of two 
faces, whose temple was kept open during time of war. 
"Vulcan," a forger, the god of blacksmiths. "Vesta," the 
goddess of the household, in whose temple at Rome, the 
sacred fire was kept and guarded by six vestal virgins. 
"Sybilline Book," consulted as oracles of fortune by the 
Roman senate in times of great calamity. "Hannibal," an 
eminent Carthagenian general who suffered defeat. "Sci- 
pio," a victorious Roman general. "Goth," one of an ancient 
tribe of barbarians, inhabiting Norway and Sweden. 
"Vandal," one of the most barbarous of the northern na- 



A BEAUTIFUL THOUGHT. 107 

tions that invaded Rome ini the fifth century. "Christ's vice- 
gerent," said by the CathoHcs to be St. Peter, who holds 
the keys of heaven and hell. ''Anglo-Saxon," an English 
Saxon, also their language. "Celt," a name pertaining to 
the early inhabitants of Italy, Gaul, Spain and Britain. 
"Teuton," a people of Germany and their language. "The 
Course of Empire," the trend of a higher civilization, 
freedom and progress, which has been, from, the Oriental 
nations, steadily drifting westward. "Immortality," the 
quality of being endowed with endless life. "The Cres- 
cent," the symbol or emblem of Turkish power. "The 
Cross," the symbol or emblem of Christianity. 



A BEAUTIFUL THOUGHT. 



'When God would set fast a beautiful thought, He plants it in 
the tree." — Talmage. 

"When God sets fast a beautiful thought. 

He plants it in the tree," 

That rears aloft its giant head. 

The symbol of the free. ; 

Without its presence, this our earth 

Would be a desert drear ; '; 

Nb chrystal fountains could collect. 

Nor nectral springs appear. 

When God conceives a beautiful thought. 

He moulds it into a flower. 

Whose fragrance from His gardens above. 

Is wafted into each bower, : 

When He from heaven would mould a thought. 

Leaving its impress here, • 

The form of some celestial wonder, ] 

Is rounded into a sphere. 

The magnolia, palm and maguey 

That grace some southern grove, ' \ 

Are but scintillations from His thought. 

From the gardens of His love. 

From the amaranthine fields above us. 

That know not time's decay. 

Are sent perennials bright to cheer us, 

From the blue upper way. 



lOB OUR FAST AGE. 

• • ■ Unfolding of his power exhibits 
' 'A well developed plan 

' ■' .■ To clothe the earth with trees and flowers, 
■ '^ The fit abode of man, 

- Painted by an Artists potent-pencil. 
Whose tintings show the skill 
And workmanship of a supreme master, 
; \Vho the universe doth fill. 

When we the starry hosts consider, 
On the grand celestial height. 
Where the constellations ever burn 
In luster passing bright, 
We stoop in wonder and amazement, 
That He to us, has brought, 
:; The clear refulgence from His throne, 

The subjects of His thought. 

When God conceives a beautiful thought. 

Painted in colors bright, 

He plants it in the luscious fruit, 

A blessing and delight ; 

The weighed orbs, in majesty above us. 

To fine perfection brought, 

Are but conceptions co-eternal 

With His sublimer thought. 



OUR FAST AGE. 



This is a hurly-burly break-neckage, 

When men will rush with speed. 

Against the rocks of sin and danger. 

Without ever taking heed. 

Boys are old men now at thirty-five ; 

They live so very fast : 

They burn their candle at both ends, 

Of course it cannot last. 

Men will invent new fangled methods 
And rack their puzzled brains, 
On some new extraordinary system 
Which will increase their gains. 



OUR FAST AGE. 109 

Speculation and peculation 
Have a tendency that's mean ; 
For the race of fools will always live, 
And grab at something ''green. " 

If great financial gains are offered, ^ 

At once they reach each hand, 

While "discretionary pools" announce, 

Inducements truly grand. 

In rolls the gold and green-backs, 

Into their coffer's strong; 

But the semi-annual dividends, 

Are slow to come along. 

There are lots of people in this world. 

Whose earnings are quite small, 

Will part with their hard-earned dollar. 

With good chance to lose it all. 

This mysterious bent can't be explained 

By philosophic ken ; 

To' gain something out of nothing, 

Is the wish of many men. 

In face of oft-repeated warnings 

Of old or modern schools. 

Men will rush into the arms of sharpers, 

Be fleeced like simple fools. 

The staid old interest, six per cent, 

Seems for this age too slow ; 

Men will fall like Phaeton from his chariot, 

Into the abyss below. 

Men must grow rich with railroad speed ; 

Make money thick and fast ; 

While some may for a time succeed. 

The funds short time will last. 

That which is gained by dishonest means, ^^ 

Will find a swift pretense ' 

To mount on wings and fly away. 

Not knowing when or whence. 

Honest gold as hard-earned credit, 
Will no doubt, longer count; 
It will be a blessing to the possessor; 
Financial waves surmount. 



110 QUATRAIN, FOOLS. 

Don't sacrifice good principle or name ; 
Let conscience ever keep 
You in the straight way of rectitude; 
So calm will be your sleep. 



QUATRAIN, FOOLS "Co Munde Plein de fous." 



We dare not reflect in the first "Great Cause," 
Who still rules the world by immutable laws ; 
Nor yet on the various prophet's schools, 
Many of which are filled with fools. 



"AMERICA FOR AMERICANS." 



We promulgate this declaration, 

In our much desired plan ; 

The time has truly come for America, 

To aid the American. 

Not that we would deprive good peoples 

Of any name or race, 

Who wish to better their condition. 

From finding here a place. 

We want to find the friendly legislator, 

Who is heart and soul imbued, 

In the interest of our struggling millions ; 

Our nation's greatest need. 

We warn all mercenary legislators, 

Of whatever name or creed ; 

To the cry of the sleighted American, 

You must, at once, give heed. 

Shall foreign tribes or Italia's sons 

Afflict the world once more? 

Shall the reeking scum and filth of Europe, 

Be poured in upon our shore? 

Have things come to such a terrible pass, 

Our natives must give place 

His home, his work, his situation 

To a semi-barbarous race? 

Shall corporations, ''communism of pelf," 
Be allowed to trample down 
The native American citizen. 



''AMERICA FOR AMERICANS." Ill 

Till no place for him is found? 

Law must check those organizations, 

That would our laws defy, 

By importing-, employing foreign hordes, 

While our men stand idly by. 

The man or woman who is born here or. 

Naturalized upon the soil, 

Must always have the right of way. 

If it only be to toil. 

And corporate greed or close combine, 

Allied with selfish knaves. 

Must learn this lesson for all time; 

The age is past for slaves. 

A goodly heritage and rich is ours ; 

But is a burning shame, 

That despotic masters once o'erthrown, 

Are only changed in name. 

Men will assert their heaven-born right. 

The right to labor here ; 

Closed be our ports 'gainst foreign hordes, 

Or revolution's near. 

Hold up your head, my worthy brother, 

Though horny be your hand; 

This is your father's priceless heritage, 

In this our favored land. 

While you are patriotic citizens. 

And love your country's cause, 

Demand of your sworn legislators, 

To make protecting laws. 

Protecting capitalists to manufacture. 
By "Protective Tariff" laws. 
May be in its design munificent; 
But this won't help the cause. 
If crowds of foreigners take the work, 
That our own men can do ; 
"Protection" to the American labor. 
Is the only policy true. 



112 THE GREAT OVERFLOW. 

THE GREAT OVERFLOW. 



With the progress made by inventive genius 
In the sciences, mechanics and art, 
Modern appHance for saving labor, 
That accurately perform their part. 
Moved by the electric motor or steam, 
Tens of thousands yield their places ; 
While the laboring crov^ds still multiply, 
What work shall we find for the many races? 

With this inevitable law of displacement 

In manufactures of every kind, 

In what branch of human industry. 

Shall the ousted worker employment find? 

This troubled question of economics, 

Will like a spectre, still appear in view ; 

The time may come when the willing worker, 

May seek many places for work to do. 

Great corporations study dividends ; 
To each great invention men must yield 
Their places by which they a living earned, 
To the iron competitor that rules the field, 
It might now be a disputed question, 
Whether or not the principle is true : — 
Should applied mechanics take men's places. 
Without giving them some other work to do? 

What with natural increase and immigration, 
The avenues of employment are lessened each year; 
With the exceeding rapid march of inventions. 
Which contracted or widened is the worker's sphere? 
But the history of the past, paradoxical it seems. 
And will to the attentive student shov. , 
That new fields of labor up were opened ; 
That labor and invention hand in hand did go. 

But the future horoscope is not pleasing, 
From any point the compass now can show; 
For with the unborn millions of population, 
There must of necessity, be an overflow. 



THE GREAI OVERFLOW. 113 

Not taking a pessimistic view of the situation, 
Or using the prognostications of a seer, 
Capital must make to labor just concessions 
Or there is interminable trouble near. 

Altho' men have been trodden down for ages, 
Until scarcely able to longer sigh or groan, 
We trust that in the great enlightened future, 
Unto men, by men, shall better things be done. 
It is idle now to talk of revolutions, 
The last arguments of the oppressed ; 
The better plan of peaceful arbitration. 
Shall step in, relieving the distressed. 

Perhaps the principal of evolution. 

Our enigma or querry might explain ; 

"The survival of the fitest," occupy the ground ; 

The others, let die out or order to be slain. 

But Christian ethics step in right here, 

Expounded by ablest tongue and pen ; 

"Do unto others as you would be done by," 

Will restore earth in a measure to paradise again. 

While labor-saving inventions benefit the world, 
There is no axiom to my mind seems more plain ; 
That is an evil to destroy the work of millions. 
Without restoring to them some compensating gain, 
Perhaps it were well not to disturb our peace unduly. 
Or borrow trouble for the centuries to come ; 
The present is ours ; use it to our best advantage. 
This being our privilege — our duty then is done. 

AVhat with no more discoverable continents, 
Inhabitable islands now in sight. 
The welfare of earth's future billions, 
Does not to the reflective mind seem bright. 
But the question still remains unanswered; 
Let future times their expediency show, 
How to best employ unnumbered millions. 
An avalanche of people, a tremendous overflow. 



114 HOLD YOUR TONGUE. 

HOLD YOUR TONGUE. 



"There is a woman down there who has an awful tongue ; she 
keeps the whole neighborhood stirred up."— D. L. Moody. 

If your temper is out of joint or ruffled, 

By a real or fancied wrong, 

Let me impress upon your mind this lesson, 

It's always safe to hold your tongue : 

And keep in hold a steady rein, 

Until you some composure gain. 

Things in this world oft go wrong; 
The best plans you may devise. 
May like an obstinate current strong, 
Drift away before your eyes ; 
But control your feelings, for 'tis best, 
Your mental powers should quiet rest. 

One great wrong may breed another ; 

If you try to regulate the ills, 

Of your own or that of others, 

No, you cannot fill the bills, 

A thousand wrongs can't make one right; 

Revenge is weak if you have might. 

What you most desire you may not get. 
Some enemy your wishes may oppose; 
It will do no good to murmur or fret ; 
Time will even it with your foes ; ^ 
The much better plan is thus to live ; 
Pardon, forget, live right, forgive. 

Quietude, not quarreling should exist 
In each humble home of ours ; 
Removed from strife it should be blessed. 
Where no evil tongue devours ; 
Not emitting poison like serpents vile,^ 
Nor hammering neighbors all the while. 

It puzzles moral philosopher's research, 

That people should prefer to live 

In the atmosphere of immoral contagion, 



ARE HOLIDAYS A BLESSING. 115 

And by lying habits thrive, 

Rather than in the moral atmosphere, 

Where religion reigns with conscience here. 

But as the tongue blights all around it 
As with the fires of hell, 
It well behooves each human creature, 
To hold in check, and guard it well ; 
For the flaming angel with a sword. 
Can't undo the sin of a wicked word. 

Then keep your mind and heart from evil, 
And your tongue from speaking guile, 
Why should you elect to serve the devil. 
Who will own you after a while. 
Then keep your tongue from bitter strife ; 
For out of the heart are the issues of life. 

The tongue rightly used is a useful member; 
You and I have often been told, 
A word fitly spoken how pleasant it is, 
"Like apples of silver in pictures of gold." 
T^hen blessings on him who can always impart, 
A word of cheer, to enliven the heart. 

"He who steals my purse steals trash," 
Has been by Shakespeare said ; 
But he who steals my reputation, 
"Makes me very poor indeed." 
Who filches by a deceitful tongue. 
Does me an irreparable wrong. 

Oh, grant me the power to impress upon you, 

With a poet's or prophet's pen ; 

The tongue was made for the noblest uses ; 

Blessing, instead of cursing, our fellow men. 

Then let this star be placed in your crown ; 

You raised men up, instead of dragging them down. 



ARE HOLIDAYS A BLESSING. 



Are holidays of any kind a blessing? 
Is a question that we in earnest ask ; 
But let each reader give his answer ; 
For it is not an easy task. 



116 ARE HOLIDAYS A BLESSING. 

When discussing live and social problems, 
This rule will hold invariably true: 
The value of any day and institution, 
Is in proportion to the good they do. 

Then by a process of logical deduction, 
Which vv^ill true mathematics own ; 
The process of ratiocination, 
Are from the known to the unknown. 
Science still deduces new-born formulas. 
Unknown equations to evolve ; 
For eminent scientists and scholars, 
Have many problems yet to solve. 

That which is intended for a blessing. 
May be perverted to a curse ; 
Just as the luscious fruit in Eden's garden. 
Did disease and death disburse. 
So it runs in all succeeding ages, 
Men will the grandest gifts abuse ; 
Paradise has no attractions for them ; 
They turn its blessings to ignoble use. 

Man, in his fallen nature is so perverted, 
If heaven strewed garlands in his path, 
Would spurn them as unworthy notice ; 
And drink deep the dregs of wrath. 
Until the millennium shall dawn, 
That which was intended for a good, 
Will be changed to most debasing uses : 
Men will poison drink instead of solid food. 

Are national holidays a blessing? 
The casual observer sayeth no; 
For behold a peaceful family broken, 
By drink — the demon of all woe. ,^ 
Here bacchanalian orgies of the night. 
Again its fearful work has done; 
Some unlucky life has been blown out, 
Between the rise and set of sun. 

Next morn the papers tell of crimes committed, 
As a sequel of the holiday's trend; 
That one wonders where they had beginning. 
Or what boundaries mark their end. 



. ARE HOLIDAYS A BLESSING. J 17 

From one end of our land unto the other, 
It is but an endless repetition still, 
A glowing description of the honors, 
That will make the blood run chill. 

So it seems on those especial days, 
Designed for noblest use of the times. 
They are turned aside to drunken orgies, 
And the most revolting crimes. 
So instead of lightening life's burdens, 
By making its current happier flow. 
Rum marks this day for devastation, 
Producing unutterable woe. 

The darkest picture painted yet by artist, 

Must have its fairer, sunnier side. 

By which its defects and imperfections, 

We may in a certain measure hide. 

So the million happier families 

Find this time a source of joy, 

When s.undered friends are re-united ; 

And in social mirth the hours employ. 

Friend meets the face of happy friend ; 
Old friendships have new birth ; 
Now exchanged are gladsome greetings, 
Which are by far too few on earth! 
Thrice blest be each returning holiday, 
When heaven and earth send cheer ; 
Hand clasps hand in friendship's grasp ; 
A foretaste of heaven may be here. 

As the purest gold ^r silver coined, 
Must have its weight of alloy, 
So the purest of terrestrial blessings, 
Must be mixed with saddened joy. 
Yet those national or memorial days. 
Must ever a grateful echo find 
In the heart and soul of patriots. 
In the breast of all mankind. 

That which adds a moment of happiness. 
Making our life's trials less. 
Relieves some worthy ones of suffering. 
Taking away the sting of distress, 



118 ARE HOLIDAYS A BLESSING. 

Should be kept as a memorial sacred ; 
Not be allowed to run to decay; 
For life is more than the things that perish, 
And we hail each well-kept holiday. 

We have cause to lament the wicked carousal, 
Where life is of miuch happiness shorn ; 
But we rejoice there cometh a day in the year, 
When old memories revived — new ones are born. 
We rejoice that a day is thus set apart, 
That we should observe in a spirit true. 
Knowing that life at best is short enough, 
And our days of rejoicing too few. 

National holidays should be a blessing; 

Their origin, inception, design. 

Is to cause patriotism to grow in the heart 

And thankfulness dwell in the mind. 

For our children around us must now be taught. 

The value of our institutions grand ; 

That our ''Magna Charta" with blood was bought, 

That we have O'n earth the freshest land. 

Then be it ours those days to honor, 
Not only for the nation's good, 
But as becoming, meet and proper, 
All self-respecting people should. 
Then let our holidays fill this measure, 
So that our happiness may increase ; 
Be citizens true to our institutions ; 
Cultivate temperance, charity and peace. 

If we have overdrawn these pictures. 

Please show us where we are wrong ; 

We will at once make needed corrections, 

If our language is too strong. 

But read again ni}^ brightest picture ; 

Carry with you what you may. 

So that you lend a charm of pleasure. 

To each recurring holiday. 



HOPE DIED AT LAST. 119 

HOPE DIED AT LAST. 



A true incident that happened at Johnstown, Pa., December 
25th, 1894. She waited four years for the return of her 
lover, but he came not. 

She only said, "ATy life is dreary, 

He cometh not," she said; 

She said, "I am. aweary, aweary, 

I would that I were dead." — Tennyson. 

She kept a perpetual watching 
Oil each succeeding Christmas morn, 
For the lover of four years before. 
Hoping- that he might at last return ; 
She had the table spread with viands 
On each new, recurring year, 
Thinking that her old-time lover. 
Might at Christmastide appear. 

But she was doomed to disappointment ; 

For the man she vainly sought, 

Was dead, drowned, or married to another ; 

But still she had not him forgot. 

In her heart there brooded a sorrow 

Which she never could expel ; 

Life was as death to her without him, 

Alas, for Johnstown's grieving belle. 

About Christmas time four years ago, 

He was a lover fond and true ; 

But having promised, he did desert her. 

As perfidious man will do. 

As he never wrote nor yet came back, 

Hope within her bosom died ; 

To end life's sad disappointments, 

She then committed suicide. 



L'ENVOL 

Oh, the steadfastness of woman's love! 
It is worse than mortal sin 
To trifle Avith those warm aflfections, 
And the hand and heart to win. 



120 SUPERSTITION. 

Then to desert her to dishonor. 

What is left her but despair? 

What law can reach this wretch to punish, 

Or force him its righteous burden bear? 

Is there a moral to this story, 

For you, my gentle ladies fair? 

If your unsteadfast lover jilts you, 

Never yield to dark despair. 

Why should you sacrifice a useful life, 

On courtship's stormy, troubled sea? 

For you can easily be the wife. 

Of a much better man than he. 

Constancy is a god-like virtue. 

Of which the poets often sing; 

Bestowing it on an unworthy suitor. 

Is not just the proper thing. 

How often history repeats itself, 

No one in this world can tell ; 

There may be some who read this story, 

Left as was our Johnstown belle. 

Note. — "L, envoi," serving to convey a moral. 
SUPERSTITION. 



We must confess mankind is superstitious, 

Such now is in my line of thought. 

I appeal to the world's prolific thinkers 

For an answer ; who is not. 

It has come down from earliest ages. 

Its spell and power binding as a chain ; 

From it we can't ourselves emancipate. 

For it seems to flow thro' every vein. 

It may be a remnant of that heritage. 
Which prevailed *in semi-barbarous state, 
Before the era of Christian civilization : 
Mythology, astrology, or fate. 
But let us label it what we will. 
Modern knowledge antiquities refines; 
Men still cling to some old superstition, 
Of what we render evil or propitious signs. 



SUPERSTITION. 121 

Thro' the ancient so-called "Books of Sybilline," 
The Roman senators learned their fate ; 
For in strict accordance with this oracle, 
They steered the uncertain ship of State. 
The "Delphian Oracle" also had its shrine 
In ancient Greece and mystic Rome ; 
In its prophetic answer was the wisdom, 
That found a place in every home. 

Quaint astrologers and soothsayers, 
Went beyond reasons feeble bars ; 
Astrologers asserting that all mankind 
Were dominated by leading stars. 
That man of many fortunes — Napoleon, 
In military manners great, 
Ascribed success tO' his ruling star, 
That impelled him on as by fate. 

The life and history of Lord Byron 

Was by evil fortune marred; 

From his own lawful wife, he sought divorce. 

By the blind goddess, evil-starred. 

Unhappy writer of "Childe Harold ;" 

The world has seldom ever seen. 

Such admixture of genius, sensuality. 

And intellectual powers keen. 

Robert Burns in "Tam O' Shanter," 
Does in somewhat stirring language write, - 
When pursuing some uncanny pleasures, 
In the "wee" small hours of the night. 
How he came across witches and warlocks ; 
We know not by accident or chance, 
Engaged in a new French cotillion. 
And had quite a lively dance. 

But permit us to make all allowance 

For poor Bobby's addled brain ; 

And not reach far into metaphysics. 

This mystery to explain. 

There's a thousand demons in the glass. 

That diseased imaginations fill ; 

And the worst "hob goblins" in this world, 

Are the creatures of the "still." 



122 SUPERSTITION. 

Shall we read the classic Shakespeare 
And take note of what he saith 
About the pranks of wakeful witches 
In his story of Macbeth? 
To make a strong and potent charm, 
There commingled were queer parts 
Of uncouth animals, filthy vermins. 
Best of the necromancer's arts. 

If we turn to the volume of "Inspiration," 

We may in grand procession call 

Hosts of spirits from the "vasty deep," 

As did once the Kingly Saul. 

The spirit of Samuel was called up 

To see if he could tidings bring, 

To inspire news that would mean victory, 

To Israel's rejected King. 

It has been custom for lovers of all ages. 
To choose the time of hallow e'en 
To try their charms and incantations. 
That the future may be foreseen : 
That the maid may glance at her future lover, 
The young man sees his future wife, 
That both may discern that good fortune. 
That will happier make their life. 

If a group of thirteen sit down to dinner. 

They are haunted by this fear, 

That death will take one of their number, 

Before the close of another year. 

Or why Friday is called an unlucky day. 

No one has risen to explain. 

It is in line with ancient superstitions 

That still find lodgment in the brain. 

Thus we find many popular superstitions. 
Running parallel with our times, 
Not confined to any particular nation, 
Nor bounded b}^ any creeds or climes ; 
Learned divines may preach and reason, 
While educators may theories teach ; 
But deep-seated is the source of superstition. 
Beyond any human powers reach. 



MODERN AMERICAN POLITICS. iS» 

That there is an over-weening- desire 

To learn the unknowable — to be possessed 

Of that magic, powerful, talisman, 

On which we may build and rest. 

Then who can blot out this fatuous desire. 

That in itself may mean no harm, 

While not using Egyptian incantations. 

Resort to the pleasure of a charm? 

That there is a predominating influence, 

Is an accepted fact of sense ; 

Call it the rulings of a fate or fortune, 

Or designings of wise Providence, 

Still there remains that intuition, 

Which wields the power of a rod ; ' 

Tho' we may disclaim outward superstition. 

Yet in a niche may be the hidden god. 

Superstition may be the milder form. 

Of the heathenish pagan rites, 

When men reveled in total darkness. 

Without truth's redeeming lights. 

Yet now we can't wholly eradicate 

The traditions of years long ago ; ] 

For the blood of our once rude ancestors, : 

Must still in the veins of their children flow. 

But let us assume the role of a prophet: 
Times teachings will never efface 
The foolish but simple superstitions, 
That have been handed down to our race. 
But the best of good fortune awaits you. 
Who to the present time will give 
The best of his thoughts his time and attention, 
In solving the problem how to live. 



MODERN AMERICAN POLITICS. 



We don't mean decent politics, but the methods used by the 
"Bosses." Scholarship, ability or qualifications are not 
considered factors. 



124 MODERN AMERICAN POLITICS. 

Is there a disagreeable nasty thing, 
That can never truly mix 
With good morals, law, or decency, 
It is the dirty game of politics. 
Misrepresenting is not considered wrong : 
Some cunning lie may be brought, 
To injure the opposition candidate, 
Before the canard can be caught. 

[ Men who may be square in other lines. 

Do not for a moment hesitate 
To do some underhand dirty work, 
For the "ring-chosen" candidate. ' , 
As in the uncertain games of love or war, 
I All means are considered fair, 

( To knock the opponent broadside out. 

So that their fellow may get there. 

Men who will press each other's hand, 
Friendly congratulations extend. 
Who will outwardly act the part, 
Of, at least, a seeming friend, 
Will stab their rivals behind the back. 
Making a deep unfriendly cut ; 
He will vilify and soil and defame, 
If it does his mean purpose suit. 

M,en will many species of frauds commit, 

So that it oftentimes seems 

They work on the principle that tho' bad. 

The end will justify the means. 

When professional politicians make the "slate" 

Fair-minded citizens seldom win 

For they will not stand the vituperation 

That is so freely heaped on them. 

We speak of our ennobling civilization. 
Of our farmers and our fame; 
But when it comes down to politics, 
"What crimes are committed in thy name." 
The "Slough of Despond" was a mean place 
For any mortal his tent to fix ; 
But the abbmination of abominations. 
Is the Stygian pool of politics. 



NEGLECT NOT SMALL OPPORTUNITIES. 125 

Universal suffrage is a sublime theme, 
Of which we never tire to write; 
But organized villainy forges ahead, 
And money "unseen," makes might. 
Professional politicians fix their slate ; 
The busy citizen pays no heed, 
Until some wretch disgraces the office, 
And then they create a rumpus, indeed. 

I once had a sleeping vision at night ; 
When awake, haunts my memory still : 
It was that of a politician seeking heaven, 
And the road was quite up hill. 
Now when he reached St. Peter's portal. 
His messenger did at once appear, 
Who gravely answered for his master ; 
"No politicians wanted here." 



NEGLECT NOT SMALL OPPORTUNITIES. 



'You cannot reach heaven by a single bound ; 

The ladder by which you rise, 
You must ascend step by step, round by round. 

From the groveling earth to the vaulted skies." 

The all-wise Creator did never intend, 
That you should at once into prominence leap ; 
You must struggle to ascend the mountain crags. 
Before you arrive at the top of the rocky steep. 
You may still work on in your humble way ; 
Lurking lions for you in waiting may roar, 
Before you wear the laurels of fame. 
Or the higher places of eminence soar. 

The heroes of victories be they ever so small. 
Marching manfully along this trend, 
May encounter opposition and hardships too ; 
But they will surely win in the end. 
Opportunities small in no wise neglect; 
Each one makes a rung in the round. 
That will lead you up to position high. 
Whose foundations are deep in the ground. 



126 NEGLECT NOT SMALL OPPORTUNITIES 

Despise not the day of opportunities small ; 

They as monitors will you prepare, 

For that public station that may you await, 

Perhaps in some president's chair. 

Do you intend to gain a position of honor. 

The bright laurels of victory take? 

An apprenticeship served in the proper way, 

For you a higher position will make. 

Many intelligent men in this our age, 
Awaiting the wheels of fortune to turn 
Up a golden spoon to eat their soup, 
Are drifting along while little they earn. 
But while they are waiting in 'durance vile," 
The sapper and miner with arms strong. 
Will capture the enemy's citadel ; 
On a flood-tide of glory be wafted along. 

My worthy, friend, you're an absolute failure, 
If you do not improve a small thing; 
For plodding, perseverance and energy. 
Will their reward to the warrior bring. 
Would you to your position superior rise. 
In ascending the mountainous height, 
You must toe each crag of the towering ledge, 
Before you stand on its summits bright. 

, ' Great men are not born above the clouds, 
But are on humbler ''terra firma" found; 
Those who have risen from hovel to palace, 
Are princes on whom men placed the crown. 
Is there a spark of ambition in your make-up? 
Is there in you any desire to rise? 
Now, is the time to build your ladder, 
That will reach from the earth to the upper skies. 

"You cannot reach heaven by a single bound," 
But work carefully as you build ; 
The upper dome reflects the golden light, 
And we admire its beautiful gild. 
We would not have you think that glory is all 
We want in this world to make us wise ; 
But steady application will build the ladder, 
By which you to fortune and fame may rise. 



DEGENERACY. 127 

DEGENERACY— A Quatrain. 



It is sad degenerate nature asserts itself; 

This may not cause you much surprise, 

That sons of truly great and noble men, 

Run in the paths of folly ; wisdom's laws despise. 



THE MOTHER-IN-LAW. 



Adam was the only living creature. 

As runs the Scriptural saw, 

Who had this exception as a feature, 

That he had no mother-in-law. 

Who he got to fondle his babies, 

Will still a mystery remain ; 

He somehow failed in family training. 

For he raised up wicked Cain. 

Of the many truly despised creatures, 

In the history of our race. 

The ever ubiquitous mother-in-law. 

Holds quite a prominent place. 

It's a fact accepted the world round. 

On the camel's back the straw. 

That causes endless marital troubles is. 

The unhappy mother-in-law. 

We are often led to the conclusion 

When we dismal stories read, 

Of the scandals, crimes and miseries. 

That appalling are indeed, 

That with Josh Billings, we lament. 

That with mother-in-law, a thorn 

Of dissention woe and torment, was to 

Trouble her ofif-spring born. 

When the mariner launches out upon the sea. 

He must with storms contend. 

And tempestuous billows roaring high. 

That would his frail barque rend. 

So the youthful inexperienced husband, 

To whom the future bright may seem, 

Must guard against matrimonial breakers. 

Or will perish love's young dream. 



128 THE MOTHER-IN-LAW. 

The evil serpent still lurks in the garden, 
Hoping to blight the household fair; 
And men may yield just oft as women, 
To destroy the joy that's there. 
We cannot blame all attending evils 
That the fallen world ever saw, 
In destroying its peace and comfort. 
To the abused mother-in-law. 

Indispensable conditions are existing. 

Unhappy mortals must endure ; 

We sometimes consider a good an evil. 

And like fools go hunt a cure. 

So long as perverted human nature 

Remains of its present brand, 

So long will the mother-in-law question, 

Cease not to disturb the land. 

Alexander Selkirk in his island home, 

Was with his found man "Friday," free 

From interference of mother-in-law ; 

We presume they could happy be. 

This being a common-place world to live in, 

It is the part of wisdom's plan, 

If we must indulge in a mother-in-law, 

To treat her as well as we can. 

Making all allowance for human frailties, 

We should not always complain ; 

It is not well to subject the human tension, 

To an unnatural strain. 

The little matters that worry mortals, 

Of single or married school, 

Would be in a great measure abated, 

Would they mind the ''Golden Rule." 

Kind mothers forgive if aught we have said, 

Be tinged with what is untrue ; 

The mother-in-law has come to stay; 

We can find for her work to do. 

The shabby treatment they sometimes get. 

Caused by ingratitude deep, 

For love and respect are seldom theirs, 

Would cause an angel to weep. 



NEGLECT NOT SMALL OPPORTUNITIES. 129 

You perhaps in your travels can find a wife, 

Whose mother died years ago; 

Then you will be free from her annoyance, 

If it should have caused you woe. 

But amidst life's humble or rich surroundings. 

Never this matter forget ; 

That we were troublesome tots of babies, 

Needing orr mothers sometimes yet. 

SUGGESTIVE THOUGHTS. 



We are living, we are working, 
In a world that seemeth strange ; 
The tide is going, ever flowing, 
All are subject unto change, 
And the beings we were formerly. 
Are scarce the same to-day ; 
Some of our old acquaintances, 
Are passing fast away. 

Their words were a welcome message. 
Our souls and hearts to cheer ; 
And their friendly counsel given. 
We ever shall hold dear. 
They were faithful worthy brothers, 
Whose lives were ever true ; 
And their solemn admonitions. 
May we ever keep in view. 

They have passed beyond the border. 

From the world's surging tide ; 

But we shall clasp their hand in friendship. 

When we reach the other side. 

Tho' we may not see them here below. 

Nor greetings extend again; 

Upon their epitaph may be written, 

"Their lives were not in vain." 

'Tf we ever reach that port called heaven, 
Which we humbly hope we may," 
May we find each faithful brother. 
Who is working hard to-day. 
These unworthy lines are written, 



130 THE WISEICRES'S SAYING. 

As a tribute to my friend, 

Wiho has ne'er gone back upon me, 

Whose friendship knows no end. 



THE WISEACRES'S SAYING— "I Told You So. 



There are people in the world who always know; 

They point to the fact — 'T told you so." 

They in their way are exceeding wise, 

They see with a single glance of their eyes ; 

And what they don't know, either great or small, 

Is scarcely worth the knowing at all. 

That man has gone wrong, did you not know? 

It has long been w'hispered^'T told you so." 

They have a magnifying glass to spy . 
The great big mote in their neighbor's eye ; 
Of the faults of their neighbor they much dilate ; 
Of their follies and vices they boldly prate ; 
And there's nothing that happens far or near. 
But their ears are bending to catch or hear. 
My neighbor's wife ran away, you know, 
I expected it long — 'T told you so." 

What a gratification to see ahead ; 
Have our plans and motives boldly read ; 
And our innermost doings hidden away. 
Brought forth to the gaze and light of day. 
It may tickle the world and gossipers, too, 
To' have our frailties portrayed to view ; 
But that it's expedient, I do not know; 
The wiseacres say — "I told you so." 

^ - "eat number of things may be wicked and wrong, 
?ught we can think of is worse than the tongu' 
aporings, mutterings never cease, 
- • our little domestic peace ; 
^ .cdiing too sacred in this sphere, 
X ur it to besmirch, pollute or smear. 
There's a great surprise coming, you know. 
For the wiseacre says — "I told you so." 

The prophets are coming from Jericho, 
On their tongues they carry a tale of woe ; 
They have predicted the date and year. 



THE DYING ENGINP^ER. 131 

In which our planet will disappear. 

Drawn up or down into fathomless space, 

So the dying orb will finish its race ; 

Or indulge in some pyrotechnics, you know ; 

Well, it didn't happen — "I told you so." 

We cannot tell the year of the world. 
This wise being into our planet was hurled ; 
But we presume it happened at an early year, 
That the wiseacre in his role did appear. 
The world would be lacking in news to-day, 
Were this important personage taken away; 
He is here to stay, let things come or go ; 
And will always repeat — 'T told you so." 



THE DYING ENGINEER. 



Poor lad, he stuck to his post, and did well ; 
His engine over the precipice fell, 
Into the torrent's whirling stream. 
Strangled by smoke and burned by steam, 
Oh,^ the horrible sulphurous breath ; 
Wedged in a cage and burned to death. 
Who can calmly view this horror, d'read, 
Relieve the living and care for the dead ? 

''Come quick with help ! Oh, for God's grace. 
To help me out of this horrible place ! - 
Pray for my wife and child," he said : 
"Would to God that I now were dead !" 
God bless my child and loving wife." 
''Won't somebody come and finish my life ?" 
"Have mercy upon me, come quickly, hie. 
And grant relief so that I may die." 

Before being rescued, his life he gave, 

Who often the lives of others did save. 

Was ever courage so truly gireat ? 

Pity, life must yield to such a fate ; 

And the manly spirit be put to rout ; 

A life be extinguished and thus put out. 

But sacrificed as thy life must be, 

The world owes a debt to such men as thee. 



132 "HAKD TIMES." 

A widow in mourning standeth there, 
Wringing her hands and muttering prayer. 
"Without him I'm sad— ^broken-hearted within ;' 
"Would to God that it had not been/' 
How oft is repeated the story I tell, 
He stood at his post, did his duty well ; 
And when we bow at the hero's shrine, 
Our heairt-felt reverence shall be thine. 



"HARD TIMES." 



Yes, times are mighty hard they say : 
You hear this doleful strain. 
Wherever you go, where'er yon be, 
It seems a virtue to complain. 
This chronic disease Americans have ; 
To the grumblers a God-send ; 
'They stop not to reckon their wasteful habits, 
Nor compute the amount they spend. 

Six hundred million are spent each year 

For the nasty Virginia weed ; 

They never consider tobacco too dear, 

A thing that they do not need. 

Some smoke and spitter and chew ; 

Their nervous system gives out ; 

To let up in this thing would never do ; 

They help to bring hard times about. 

Six hundred millions for luxuries each year. 

We to our harbors import ; 

American goods are too common, you knov^. 

For our millionaire swells to sport. 

Thus our treasury's drained of its gold ; 

Stagnation is seen on each hand ; 

The anomalous spectacle we behold, 

Of yielding our markets to foreign land. 

Some fifty thousand people attend the 
Handicap — bet on the race ; 

Thus twenty-five thousand they foolishly spend, 
Adding not one cent to the place. 



"HAED TIMES." 133 

And the thousand-and-one faker games 
Has to them an attraction rare. 
Is it any wonder we have hard times, 
Or that pockets of cash are bare? 

Ten thousand or more taken out of the town ; 

A traveling circus comes along; 

Great crowds from the country are flocking, 

To see the menageries strong. 

The hard-earned dollars are thrown broad cast; 

In the hippodrome take a seat; 

But antics are better for the stomach far, 

Than bologna or pudding to eat. 

Soon spring time arrives, base ball ''booms ;" 

Christians of the plebeian sort, 

Will spend their time beholding the games, 

And bet their dimes on the sport. 

Do not accuse me of 'Turitan" talk when 

We speak of the sins of our age ; 

For madness and folly are born with men ; 

Their thoughts and attention engage. 

Railroad companies greedy of gain offer 

Inducements the Sabbath to break ; 

We see the well-equipped excursion trains. 

Their loads of passengers take. 

Thus pleasures votaries add each year 

To colossal fortunes built; 

But we must this reprove as immoral and bad, 

Adding crime to the nation's guilt. 

When will mortals learn the folly and sin 

Of throwing their money away ; 

It is prudence to save what little you can, 

To help in some "rainy day." 

This one great lesson Americans need, 

Which will pan out in the end : 

Salt some of your hard-earned money down, 

And not all on your vices spend. 

The times are dreadfully hard, men say; 
Why can you not make them better? 
Stop drinking and smoking a quarter a day ; 
Burst your chain like a fetter. 



134 "NOT AVANTED." 

While I would not miserly men endorse, 
Be not to your vices a slave ; 
The amount you earn won't make you rich, 
But the sum you carefully save. 

Nations nor individuals cannot escape : 

For effect will follow cause ; 

For penalties dread will be fulfilled, 

For violated and broken laws. 

It may seem old-fogyish thus to speak ; 

My duty to me seems plain ; 

For temporal and eternal wealth, 

Are considered the richest gain. 



NOT wanted; 



We read in the heavens an ominous sign. 

Presaging the future portentous ; 

For business success and the issues of life, 

Are questions considered momentous. 

There are certain conditions we see in this world, 

Some others are taken for granted; 

But an ominous sign-board we read as we go, 

Tis that of life's fa^ilure ''Not wanted." 

Our fortunate star for the very last time, 

Up to- its meridian has risen ; 

Then it slowly recedes from the dome of the sky, 

When it disappears as a vision. 

And the enchanted and magical castle, 

The lamp of "Aladdin" in splendor. 

Is extinguished as spark from electric flame ; 

Disappears in a moment of wonder. 

The noon-time of life may have passed us by. 
Our star may be shining- in splendor ; 
But the storm-wrapt clouds in the western sky, 
Our pilgrimage dreary may render. 
The citadel proud to which we aspired. 
Before us lay in a valley enchanted : 
We read the sign on the gate swung shut, 
"No admission here — Not AVanted." 



"NOT WANTED." 135 

Have we an innate ambition to reach tliat goal 

Where we heroes read of in story? 

To' benefit mankind by doing some work, 

That we may gain a portion of glory? 

But the opportunities by which we would rise. 

Are never more before us presented; 

We meander along as dull mortals will, 

For fate has our purpose resented. 

But those who stand on fame's lofty summit, 
No sign of their downfall portending 
May be suddenly thrust from this lofty mount; 
Be crushed in the rapid descending. 
And the myriads who worshipped them, 
Unstinted whose praises they chanted, 
Now place the notorious placard before them : 
'Weighed and found wanting — Not Wanted." 

Be strong, O man, in your youthful days. 
While your sun may be brilliantly shining; 
For it rarely happens to a mortal's lot. 
To earn fame when his sun is declining. 
You may not be able to reform the world, 
But keep up a courage undaunted ; 
For it may not be any fault of your own, 
That for the present you may not be wanted. 

In this age of stir, competition and strife, 
Wlien men are like meteors falling 
On the tempestuous wave of a troubled sea. 
And no one will list to their calling. 
Put on your shield, gird your armor on ; 
Be not with vain imaginings haunted; 
You may victory gain tho' late in the day, 
Disregarding the sign — "Not Wanted." 

With wealth 3,nd prosperity men w^ill applaud you ; 

All will worship the golden idol. 

What you need to do is to beckon them toward you. 

And they will wear your collar and bridle; 

But when the world sits down on a man, 

Soon his banner of distress is flaunted ; 

The doom of Atlas was in comparison mild 

With the unfortunate man — "Not Wanted." 



136 "WANTED." 

"WANTED.' 



A man with strong and steady aim, 
Fire beaming in his eye, 
With resolution in his heart, 
Religion from on high, 
To help to make the world better. 
As it swiftly moves along; 
Whose will and determination. 
Are powerful and strong. 

We want men of worth and knowledge, 

Of unexampled zeal, 

Who will stand the crucial testing. 

As the melted gold or steel. 

Jin whom when put in place or power, 

The people can confide ; 

For they shall still become the brighter, 

As sterling silver tried. 

Men of superior honesty, 

On whom you can depend. 

And trust them with your capital, 

Till time itself shall end. 

We want men of good character. 

Of reputation fond, 

WhO' will not lie nor steal, whose word 

Is better than their bond. 

We want men of temperate habits, 
WhO' have unyielding will, 
And by force of moral character. 
Detest the poisoned "still." 
For in this world of competition, 
There is a steady chase ; 
And none but the truly sober. 
May expect to win the race. 

We want men who are undaunted. 
Though their task seems quite hard; 
Who their souls for money will not barter, 
But for conscience have regard. 



TKUE HAPPINESS. 137 

Who, when placed in high or low station, 
Will their whole duty do 
To their fellow and their country; 
Who are ever loyal, true. 

We want, finally men and women 
Who will stand for a good cause ; 
Will steady work for reformation. 
And the making of good laws. 
We advertise for such persons, 
Who can these positions fill ; 
If you in the world would make a mark, 
Come along with heart and will. 



TRUE HAPPINESS. 



''The man that boasts, of golden stores. 
Of grain that loads his groaning floors, 
Of fields with freshening herbage green, 
Whose bounding steeds and herds are seen. 
I call not happier than the swain, 
Whose limbs are sound, whose food is plain ; 
Whose joy a blooming wife endears ; 
Whose house a smiling offspring cheers." 

Written by Solon an ancient Greek poet who lived before the 
time of Christ. 

Where shall true happiness be found 

In all this world's great circuit round. 

In all its ports so fair? 

Have ye yet gained the glittering prize 

The envy of all mortal eyes, 

That tempt men everywhere? 

Do' you, that wealth and gold possess. 
Have best of clothes wherewith to dress ; 
Earth's richest bounties give 
The pleasures that the rich enjoy 
Without the seed of grief's alloy, 
Know the secret how to live? 



138 TKUE HAPPINESS. 

Do you, that hold the reins of power, 

Who d'oth hi^h above your fellow tower, 

Whom men' do oft entreat 

To any favor at your hands ; 

To grant them some of their demands. 

Enjoy life's blessings sweet? 

Do you, O man, who roves the seas 

Enjoying honors, life and ease. 

In cold or tropic zone, 

With all earth's pleasures at your feet 

In measured full abundance meet, 

Enjoy the sweets of home? 

Have you possessions great and vast, 
Your lot among the wealthy cast. 
Have men in your employ, 
Who are obedient to your will ; 
Who do your whispered orders fill- 
Do you this life enjoy? 

Are you avaricious, filled with greed, 
Having more in the world than you need; 
Still yet you're grasping more. 
And oppressing God's humble poor ; 
Thus piling- your wealth up more secure. 
Does happiness seek your door? 

The man, of humbler station here 

Who lives in his accustomed sphere, 

This goddess may caress. 

Who to life ma}' charmed blessings give, 

Making it a pleasure here to live, 

May this great boon possess. 

Life is not measured by length of days 
In efforts mean your wealth to raise, 
But simply what you do 
To raise fallen .mortals to the skies, 
To bade the weak and feeble rise ; 
The work of love pursue. 



HOW DO YOU TEE AT YOUR WIVES? 139 

True happiness don't dwell with rank; 
The man having ponderous sums in bank, 
May be haunted with fear 
That the burglar having his plans well laid, 
May this his earthly treasure invade, 
When there is no one near. 

The man of habits pure and clean, 
Who lives up to the ''Golden mean," 
May not be rich or great ; 
But having cares that are quite few, 
He can hold on to happiness true, 
And tempt the god of fate. 

True happiness lies not in wealth ; 

But vigorous age and sturdy health, 

Are yours, my worthy friend. 

Then will kind heaven bless your lot, 

When you make good use of what you got ; ; 

This answers life's great end. 



HOW DO YOU TREAT YOUR WIVES? 



li a man does not treat his wife right I don't want to hear 
him talk of Christianity." — D. L. Moody. 

A pertinent question I ask, dear friend. 

It is opportune, proper and meet. 

Are you happily living in married life. 

And with common-place decency treat 

The woman whom you have plighted and won, 

And pledged high heaven before 

To cherish and love all others above. 

To live for, support and adore? 

When men are Christians we can find out ; 

Not by seeing their outward lives, 

But the innermost truth may come to light, 

By consulting their patient wives. 

Not that, we think the hidden skeleton 

Of the house should be laid bare ; 

But men who shabbih^ treat their wives, 

Shouldn't be respected anywhere. 



140 HOW DO YOU TEEAT YOUR WIVES? 

We do not think that women all are angels, 
Because their plumage may be bright ; 
They may fail to secure that recognition 
Which should be theirs of right. 
But in ninety cases out of hundred, 
The wrong's on the masculine side ; 
For in woman's heart there rests a feeling, 
Her woes from the world to hide. 

I But that hideous being of a man who 

Is a hypocrite in his heart, 
Who wears the brazen mask of deception, 

, Is a duplicate creature in part ; 

' The meanest and most contemptible thing, 

That the planets to-day disclose, 
Is the man who dishonors married life. 
No true sense of decency knows. 

We want more piety in our homes. 
More manliness that is true ; 
Christian morals that speak for themselves. 
Bringing character into view. 
A Christianity that brightens our homes, 
■ 'As the glare of the noon-day sun. 
Blending hopey'faith and religion. 
Into a true harmonious one. 

We want more cheerfulness in our homes ; 

More of friendship's tranquil air. 

That displaces the gloom of clouds opaque. 

Scattering sunshine everywhere. 

We need more happiness in our homes, 

Where now there appears a dearth. 

Why should the place we call our homes. 

Be the dreariest spot on earth? 

'Tis a burning disgrace on civilization, 

A never^to-be wiped out shame. 

That a man will slight a virtuous wife. 

For some silly wanton dame. 

This pertinent question, I now repeat. 

Most important one of your lives : 

If your soul is not dead tO' all sense of shame, 

You will honor and love your wives. 



HOW DO YOU TREAT YOUR MEN? 141 

HOW DO YOU TREAT YOUR MEN?— A Sequel. 



Ladies, I ask you an opportune question, 

That concerns nine out of ten; 

That strikes at the root of true happiness. 

How do you treat your men ? 

That the man is the lord of the household. 

We do not for a moment deny; 

That he is not with perfection crowned. 

We do not stop to answer why. 

If women did sin in Eden's bower, 
And had therefrom to retire, 
She is still a ministering angel. 
Whom both gods and men admire. . . 
She was never meant for an inferior 
When placed below, by Adam's side. 
What is more beautiful under heaven, 
Than the pure and virgin bride? 

The woman is mistress of the household ; 
'Tis her province there to control, 
Where religion and virtue, hand in hand. 
Are the hand-maids of the soul ; 
Where the science of culinary art 
Ministers to the inner man, 
Catering to the wants of the appetite, 
As the good wife only can. 

The recording angel down hath written, 

That you promised to be true, 

As he hath forsaken the realm of women. 

To live for and cherish you. 

You have more power than St. Peter has, 

With his emblematic keys ; 

Yours is the power to rule by love. 

To conquer and to please. 

Your companion may be wed to some vice; 
But neglect no means to win 
Him from a life that leads to crime. 
And the penalties sad of sin. 



142 GENTLEMAN GROUND-HOG. 

Remember before your gray hairs appear, 
Or you are prematurely old, 
That no man is ever changed in habit, 
Whose wife is a common scold. 

We admire the home where happiness dwells, 

A fount of congenial bliss, 

Pouring its streams on the family circle ; 

Earth hath no joys like this. 

But we in heart and soul abominate 

The fire of eternal feud. 

Where the woman's tongue like a razor keen, 

Almost cuts into flesh and blood. 

There is a sacred injunction spoken of, 

It were well for all to obey ; 

Life is too short to be spent in squabbles, 

Or in never-ceasing fray, 

Pray to gracious heaven for that power, 

That will be given only when, 

You do not yield in an evil hour, 

But rightly treat your men. 



GENTLEMAN GROUND-HOG. 



Respectfully dedicated to his hogship February 2d, 1895. 

Gentleman ground-hog, how do you do. 
How are your friends, and how are you? 
How are your folks and grand-children dear? 
Have you any news from your lower sphere? 
Do you ever hear the church-bell toll, 
S'n^e you left the world — crawled into your hole? 
Ha ■ ^ou any strange under-ground news to tell? 
Are ii feeling- happy, good and well? 

I si : vQu're not feeling slick and fat, 

No: ^ ;ar coat as smooth as an old greased hat. 
I have not been down there, yet I know 
Your kitchen is bare — not even crow 
To fill your stomach with needed meat, 
Or aught that is rich and good to eat. 
But the fact remains, you still are found, 
A happy family living under the ground. 



(tENTLEMAN ground-hog. 143 

You have descended from the good old time, 
When the Indian occupied our freezing clime ; 
And the squatting squaw with her small papoose 
Around the wig-wam fire — her lord no use, 
Had to cook the wood-chuck and build the fire, 
And do all the chores for her lazy sire, 
While the painted Indian with bow and dog 
Made relentless war on the poor ground-hog. 

But our gentleman ground-hog is a prophet old, 
Making the weather sometimes zero cold. 
February 2d, he comes out to celebrate. 
Without proclamation, or any fuss great. 
If the day seems clear from pole to pole. 
He turns about and pops into his hole ; 
And there he will in contentment stay. 
Till another six weeks have passed away. 

Our ground-hog has no dyspepsia, he takes no pills 
Or paregoric, makes no big doctor bills ; 
But yet, he is believed to lead a happy life ; 
He was never known to be divorced from his wife. 
Whether he lives married, or a bachelor, well 
The writers of history do not, or cannot tell. 
As a staid old philosopher content with his lot. 
He never murmurs for what he hasn't got. 

Neither he, nor his father, nor his mother's son 

Cares a fig for Avhat is done at Washington ; 

Or whether our legislators makes good laws^ 

O'r the Japanese gain in the Orient's cause. 

Or whether "Tariff" or "finance" shall meet mishap, 

Our gentleman ground-hog don't care a snap. 

If the Cleveland crew sinks to the bottom of the sea, 

He is still as funny as a ground-hog can be. 

I admire the ground-hog, his family to boot ; 
He is never too proud to wear an American suit ; 
And his wife lives as simple as any one can. 
For she never buys dress to bankrupt the old man. 
iVltho' he's a squatter, none grudge him his home. 
For he takes things contentedly just as they come. 
While America stands, let things change as they may, 
We shall always be glad to see ground-hog day. 



144 EGBERT BURNiS. 

He is independent and simple in taste. 

To defend his home, he always makes haste ; 

He never asks credit, nor yet gets in debt ; 

His "bank-stock" has ne'er been exhausted yet. 

His voice is not musical as the nightingale's song, 

Yet, we wish him prosperity, life that is long. 

Hail native citizen ! health to your mate. 

You never take whiskey, either crooked or straight. 



ROBERT BURNS— The Scotch Poet. 



"King David O' poetic brief 

Wrought aniang the lassies sic mischief 

And bloody rants ; 

And yet he's ranked amang the chief, 

O' lang sine Saunts." 

"And now be Tam, for a' my cants. 
My wicked rhymes and drucken rants, 
I'll gie auld cloven clooties haunts 
An unco slip yet, 
And snugly sit amang the saunts 
At Davie's hip yet." 
Original from Burns. 

We to mankind this truth declare 
True poets in the world are rare ; 
Yet in old Scotia's land so fair. 
On January morn, 
A man of genius, passion, taste. 
Into this world was born. 

Untutored sang our worthy bard ; 
By poverty oppressed quite hard. 
Without much hope of earth's reward. 
Held in bondage dread ; 
The curse of rum, his genius marred, 
Yet to fame and honor wed. 

In the great realm of human kind. 

When the grand Architect Divine, 

In His creation did assign 

A place for man here. 

He outlined the way to greatness, 

Each in his proper sphere. 



ROBERT BURNS. 145 



But doth each age and country tell, 
How men great and good and noble fell 
By drink, the accursed fiend of hell; 
The wrecks of fleeting time, 
Are seen as mountains towering high 
With genius once sublime. 

The man that's born to titles great, 

Hereditary, pomp, estate, 

May be consigned by stubborn fate. 

To be a creature small, 

Wlhile true-born manhood, sure will rise, 

A star o'er-looming all. 

"What though on hamely fare we dine," 
Wear clothes not rated extra fine, 
The glittering jewels of the mind 
Will conspicuously appear. 
More valued than regal robes divine, 
Of fools in royal gear. 

"Farewell old Scotia's bleak domains," 
Her frozen hill-sides, snow}^ plains. 
On ''Highland Mary" still remains 
Our poet's song; 

Long as her braes and heathery hills, 
Their notes prolong. 

"To gain "Dame Fortune's" golden smile, 

Many have to wait a long, long while. 

And travel many a thousand mile. 

To woo the fickle god ; 

And yet stern disappointment meet. 

And fail to gain her nod. 

"Ye banks and braes and streams around, 
Green be your swards and flowers found ; 
Our poets' warmth and love abound, 
In immortal lines ; 

Unborn millions yet shall read them. 
Beyond Scotia's confines. 



146 ''FOE A' THAT." 

"King- David O' poetic brief" 

Israel's King and singer chief, '■ 

In amours wrong had come to grief, 

For which he did repent ; 

In bosoms of the grandest men, 

The thorn of vice is sent. 

We admire the genius of the man, 
Whose aims are noble, true each plan ; 
And would his frailties lightly scan, 
It being understood, 

We best subserve great virtue's cause, 
In showing what is good. 

"Oh Scotia ! my dear, my native soil," 

Land of his labors, humble toil ; 

The lyric tunes none can despoil ; 

"The Cotter's Saturday Night," 

Does in the "Book of Life" thy name enroll, 

And keep thy honor bright. 

"From scenes like these old Scotia's grandeur springs;' 

The simple bard still lives while many kings 

Have come and gone as useless things ; 

From mind have passed away ; 

But in glory's immortal shining tablets. 

Thy name is writ to stay. 

Dear land of Knox and Bobbie Burns, 

Mankind thy frailties sadly mourns ; 

Yet in retrospect the memory turns, 

To a star obscured full soon ; 

Peace to' thy ashes as they sweetly slumber. 

On thy banks o' Bonnie Doon. 



"FOR A' THAT"— By Burns. 



"Is there for honest poverty 
That hangs his head and a' that? 
The coward slave we pass him by 
We dare be poor for a' that, 



"HIGHLAND MARY." 147 

For a' that and a' that. 
Our toils obscure and a' that ; 
The rank is. but the guinea's stamp, 
The man's the gfowd for a' that." 



"HIGHLAND MARY"— By Burns. 



For the benefit of many who do not possess Burn's poems, 
we insert the above verbatim. This with the "Cotter's 
Saturday Night," is among the best of this author. 

"Ye banks and braes and streams around 

The castle o' Montgomery ; 

Green be your woods, and fair your flowers, 

Your waters never drumlie. 

There summer first unfurled her robes 

And there they langest tarry ; 

For there I took the last farewell, 

O' my sweet Highland Mary." 

"How sweetly bloom'd the gay green birk; 
How rich the hawthorn's blossom, 
As underneath their fragrant shade, 
I clasped her to my bosom. 
The golden hours on angel wings. 
Flew o'er me and my dearie ; 
For sweet to me as light and life. 
Was my sweet Highland Mary." 

"Wi' mony a vow and locked embrace. 

Our parting was fu' tender ; 

And pledging aft to meet again. 

We tore ourselves asunder ; 

But oh ! fell death's untimely frost, 

That nipped my flower sae early ; 

Now green's the sod, and cauld the clay. 

That wraps my Highland Mary." 

"O, pale, pale now those rosy lips, 
I aft hae kissed sae fondly; 
And closed for aye the sparkling glance. 
That dwelt on me sae kindlv. 



148 COMMON SENSE. 

''And mouldering now in silent dust 
The heart that loved me dearly ; 
But still within my bosom's core, 
Shall live my Highland Mary." 



COMMON SENSE. 



Have you of learnings store immense, 
The ''quantum suf," of common sense, 
A lamp that guides your way? 
The brightest gem of ray serene, 
A ruby fit to adorn a queen ; 
Not ostentation gay. 

Keen wit may burn and flash awhile ; 
But soon die out as a ruined pile, 
While satire may cut keen ; 
Sarcasm may thrust its poisoned dart, 
And strike its arrows to the heart; 
Do a thousand things that's mean. 

Your perceptions are full rounded out ; 
You know just what you are about; 
Your sixth sense comes to view ; 
Yet the business world may not love 
Your course, nor yet in fact approve, 
The mean things that you do. 

You have high sense, a finished tone ; 
You walk in the upper empyrean zone ; 
The humbler realms you scorn ; 
Conceit with empty fulsome arrogance, 
May carry you safe thro' the "mystic dance," 
But your livery may be torn. 

A low sense will manliness check, 
And may you not with laurels deck ; 
Yet you' need not condescend. 
To men that's low, or of vile estate. 
For certainly may the swervings of fate, 
Lead to an ignoble end. 



COMMON SENSE. 149 

One mail may have of brains a peck ; 
Another in volume may greatly lack. 
Not born with genius high ; 
The eagle may boast of its victory sure, 
Yet may be outrun by the tortoise poor, 
If he will but only try. 

Have you not seen the successful man, 
Who carried out each well-laid plan, 
Without money immense ; 
Who had no capital at command, 
Nor friends to lend a helping hand ; 
He had good common sense? 

The lowly Elisha in ages past, 

Had Elijah's mantle o'er him cast; 

His solid sense had won ; 

The Jordan's wave was rent in twain ; 

The man of God passed over again. 

As had his predecessor done. 

Ransack history's pages thro' and thro' ; 
The men of common sense appear to a- iew ; 
Caesar the Rubicon crossed ; 
The aristocratic tyrants at Rome's head. 
In utter dismay and confusion fled ; 
Roman freedom was not lost. 



In all our planet's broad domains, 
Men of all nations, of all strains, 
An advantage have immense ; 
Tho' born not to titles or great wealth. 
Belittling snobbery ; but own health 
Deduced from common sense. 



The world is lacking much to-day 
In men who preach and men who pray, 
Who would be over-smart ; 
Whose intellectual teeming powers. 
Fall as drops from evening showers, 
While vileness fills the heart. 



150 TRUli: POLITENESS. 

If there is a gift more than divine, 
That elevates all human kind ; 
Blessings flow from thence; 
The man tho' poor is crowned with might, 
In whom men and angels take delight, 
Who has but common sense. 



TRUE POLITENESS— "The Manners Make the Man.' 



True politeness marks the gentleman, 
As the manners make the man; 
The hand-maid of education, 
It is nature's royal plan. 
Affectation is to all disgusting; 
Too much sweetness clogs the taste ; 
Simplicity and naturalness. 
Are virtues that will last. 

True politeness longest weareth ; 
The bright and evening star, 
Shines forth in modest splendor 
From her orbit distant far ; 
So this lustrous virtue among mortals, 
Will continue still to shine, 
Illuming earth's darkened bowers. 
As with a radiance divine. 

True politeness is like a diamond, 
A grace to own and wear ; 
For it marks the personality. 
With the gleam of sunshine fair. 
Of what value is that ornament, 
Or so-called diadem. 
If it lacks the intrinsic value, 
That gives richness to the gem? 

Great stores of wit or learning. 

May sometimes fortunes build ; 

Costly cathedrals rich emblazoned. 

May display a brilliant gild. 

A magnificent spectacle they appear 

To the enraptured eyes ; 

But if the foundations be built on sand, 

That builder was not wise. 



TKUE POLITENESS. 151 

When true politeness decks the person, 

Nature's fond charms appear 

To envelop with a halo sweet and tender, 

Those who are in truth sincere. 

The greatest riches bring no pleasure 

To the man who is a boor, 

Who, lacking the virtue of politeness. 

Is indeed, a being poor. 

True politeness cannot nauseate. 

Nor its sweet memories fade ; 

Like the tree of Life, fruit you may gather. 

All times beneath its shade. 

Shall we speak of myriad graces 

Clad in most bright array? 

Void of the stamp of true politeness, 

How seeming vain are they. 

A word of politeness costs no money, 

A smile can do no harm ; 

For friendship extended to a stranger, 

May breed attentions warm. 

If the world could but eliminate, 

The many hard things said, 

Our globe would appear in brighter hue; 

Not tears, but smiles instead. 

Our teacher once gave us a copy. 

And we use it in this case : 

"Learning", wit, grace and manners, 

Will fit a man for any place." 

We need not study a Chesterfield, 

Nor ponderous volumes learn 

For instruction ; politeness is the pivot, 

On which our fortunes turn. 

We pity the boorish creature, 
Who snarls at all in sight ; 
Making all around him suffer. 
Seems to be his great delight. 
Blest be the cheerful countenance, 
That sheds its beams of grace ; 
When true politeness rules at home, we 
Know of no more pleasant place. 



152 WANTED— ADVICE. 

WANTED^ADVICEl 



A teamster trudging along the road, 

Had a cart that carried a heavy load; 

He struggled masterly with a will ; 

His cart stuck in the mud, stood stone still ; 

His animal rested and there he stood. 

For whipping and cursing would do no good. 

His cart-wheel had stopped, so had the tire; 

He stood completely tied up in the mire. 

It was but a short time till a motly crowd. 
Gathered around him and speaking loud. 
Some exercised sympathy seasoned with talk, 
Others thought that a horse should never balk. 
One stepped up to him, a gentleman nice, 
And tendered the teamster a bit of advice : 
''If I had a horse and a cart down here, 
I would draw a long breath and blow in his ear." 

A drummer stood by in whose hand was a grip : 
"Why don't you give him the weight of the whip ; 
I do no coaxing my horses will thrive, 
For I am their master and know how to drive." 
Up stepped a humane agent, looking quite wise : 
"When my horses don't go, I bandage their eyes ; 
He can't stay there always, he surely will start. 
If you hitched him to the other end of the cart." 

A drover spoke up who was sleek and well-fed ; 

"When my horse takes a tantrum, I reach for his head; 

And if he won't come, the next thing I propose, 

Is to read him a lecture and tickle his nose." 

A huckster then advanced a plan that won't fail; 

Says he, "try the device of screwing his tail ; 

Then, if he don't kick, advance or retire, 

I build a pile under him and light it with fire." 

"Get out of the way, you sympathy crowd" 
Said two sailors advancing, in accents loud, 
"It is help, not advice, the poor man needs now ; 
The craft's on a reef, both stern and bow; 



NOTHING SUCCEEDS LIKE SUCCESS. 153 

Clear out you advisers, 'tis help that he needs ; 
Your acts, not your words, give weight to your deeds. 
Companion, right here, your shoulder put to the wheel ; 
Now, she's coming aloft from stern to keel." 

"Thank you," said the teamster for service, twice ; 
A pound of help is worth a ton of advice." 
Advice is a commodity, all have to spare. 
While one in a thousand, solid help will share. 
So the man with the cart moved along the road ; 
The lesson that he learned, did him some good. 
''After sober reflection," said he, "I now understand, 
Ten thousand advise you, while one lends a hand." 

The world is full of vile nostrums and quacks. 
Of ante-deluvians, crabs and mossbacks, 
Who owe to advancement an unpaid debt ; 
And the question arises, are they civilized yet? 
While much of this world they try to secure, 
They would much rather kick than help the poor. 
But of all the mean devils, be they ever so nice. 
He's most to be spurned who gives nought but advice. 



NOTHING SUCCEEDS LIKE SUCCESS. 



There were two bright boys and it came to pass. 
They stood in College in the same class ; 
By dint of perseverance and industry too. 
They stood side by side the whole year through. 
Finally, the ''Alma Mater," proud of each son. 
Them parchments gave for honors won ; 
So as far as the human mind could trace, 
Their prospects were equal in life's race. 

When the Rebellion liad at Fort Sumpter begun, 
Had fired on the Union flag its gun. 
President Buchanan whose sympathies were 
With the South, did not try or dare 
To suppress treason, however rank or great. 
Or coerce what he called a "Sovereign State" 
President Lincoln could see no settlement, 
Except that of war's arbitrament. 



154 NOTHING SUCOEEDSlIllE SUCCESS 

It was then two worthy y-outlis at College, 

Who had acquired some useful knowledge, 

Took up. arms for the Union cause^ 

In defense of its institutions and laws; - 

Who fought we understand in the same regiment ; 

The rebels their missiles round them thickly sent. 

But they both lived till the war was o'er, 

And we give you their history furthermore. 

The one took up the ministerial cause; 
The other became a lawyer posted in laws. 
The first moved away to a country town. 
Dispensing the Gospel where sinners are found ; 
The other succeeded, not unusual or rare ; 
The voters placed him in the assemblyman's chair. 
Honors were thrust upon him, he soon became great ; 
The people him made governor of the state. 

The parson, a mediocre sort of a man, 
, Still diffused and taught the Gospel plan ; 
But it seemed kind fortune hirh did not wed ; 
Labor he ever so hard, he could not forge ahead. 
Or endeavor as he would, in his heart aspire. 
The star of his fortune never seemed to rise higher; 
In his own humble way, he kept drifting along. 
None regarding him as a minister strong. 

But the governor known o'er the breadth of the land, 
His presence and speech are in constant demand ; 
And multitudes gather and shout and rejoice, 
Becoming enraptured at the sound of his voice. 
Whatever^he may say in a brief interview, 
Is telegraphed the country through and through ; 
The people of the nation, him their choice did declare; 
Now he occupies his place in the president's chair. 

One was born to fortune we all must confess ; 
The other worked hard but achieved not success. 
One stands on the apex of glory's high zone, 
While the other remains a factor unknown ; 
His ambition is vaulted — no higher can go ; 
His com-patriot stands high while he remains low. 
If the former utters a whisper, the nations will hear, 
While the latter so poor that none will revere. 



ADVANTAGES OF AGE. 155 

There's a mysterious influence over us that we 
Can no more control than the waves of th^ sea. 
Let us strive as we may we cannot reach the hill 
Of renown or eminence, but must linger still 
In shadows of lowliness among our compeers ; 
However high our aims there always appears 
An influence to hamper, to hinder or mar; . ■ , 
We no more can ascend than a fallen star. .. 



The one has high honors strewn at his feet ; 
His fame and his laurels seem nearly complete ; 
He rides in grand style in the President's car, 
Waiting crowds greet him both near and far. 
Our parson is barren of the world's applause ; 
He remains the uncrowned ''Doctor of Laws.'' 
There is a divinity that shapes mortal clay. 
As Shakespeare says, ''rough-hew it as we may." 

If men reach the summit of ambition great. 
It is the workings of providence and not fa,te. 
Some men will arise, and wear honor's crown, 
While for others there seems no place to be fotind; 
Their star of success in the noon-day fair 
Sinks below the horizon, no more to appear. 
But the world still applauds, nevertheless. 
The man who gains the goal of success. 



ADVANTAGES OF AGEr^By Cicero. 

His leading thoughts are here versilied and reproduced. 

So far from a state of indifiference and languor, 

In no grand active work engage, 

We behold the activity and earnestness 

Of a vigorous old age. 

And youth's favorite occupation, 

A maxim ever true appears, 

Will still continue, to exert itself 

In our life's declining years. 

And the acquisition of some art or science, 
In youthful times we sought. 
By vigorous work and application, 
I Will have been to perfection brought. 



156 ADDENDA. 

Thus Solon in advanced age had written, 
Consider it ye who may; 
~ That age was not barren of its glory ; 
"He learned something every day." 

The advantages of age are inestimable 

In another point of view : 

We are now relieved from the tyranny, 

Of lust and ambition too. 

From the angry contentious passions ; ; 

From inordinate desire, 

That consumes and burns its victims, 

As with a raging fire. 

5 We, in our own bosoms look for happiness, \ 

To retire ourselves within ; 
For as life's evening sunshines ling-er. 
Its million glories just begin, 
If to these moral benefits resulting, 
From the length of added days, 
Be added that sweet food of mind now gathered. 
From fields of science honored ways. 

I know not that life has any better lesson. 

Which can mortal man engage. 

To know that on life's steps declivity, 

He possesses a virtuous old age. 

And when he recedes beneath the horizon, 

And his orb is bathed in night. 

He shall appear far more conspicuous. 

On the famed Olympus' height. 

Notes. — Cicero was born, io6 B. C, and taken all in all, for 
his eloquence, for his learning, for his true patriotism, he 
stands forth among the very brightest of ancient names. 
"Mount Olympus," the seat on which Jupiter built his 
courts, reigning over heaven and earth. 



ADDENDA— To Last. 



L, envoi. 
All honor to the head that is hoary ; 
Peace shall its latter days crown, 
While virtue and truth, the armor of glory. 
Will shield as the sun goeth down. 



THE POEl'S AMBITION, 157 

Then wrapt in the mantle of fabric immortal, 
In a country where sunshine e'er gleams, 
He shall open the door of heaven's own portal, 
Far removed from the shadow of dreams. 



THE POET'S AMBITION. 



He was an humble unknown poet, 
Yet there was written on his brow 
The word ''immortal" in bright letters ; 
You can pause to read it now. 
Please do not scorn his humble efforts, 
Because of innate prejudice; 
For as low stars rise to the zenith. 
He will surmount all slights like this. 

Posthumous glories, he don't covet. 

When heaped upon the mound, 

Under which he at last may moulder. 

Beneath the moist cold ground. 

Oh, what avails this pomp and pageantry, 

Of obsequious honors shown. 

That were denied to him while living; 

But given when he is gone. 

The world is filled with countless volumes. 

Some ancient, antique, sage ; 

While some have written themes disgusting, 

A curse to each succeeding age. 

And oft bright "gems of ray serene," 

The quintessence of pure thought. 

May while the poor author's living, 

Be appreciated not. 

Popular subscriptions may be gathered 
For the writer of some old song ; 
The meed of homage once denied him, 
May be granted ages long 
After he to dust has crumbled, 
Become a brother of the clod ; 
A monument is raised o'er-looking, 
His form beneath the sod. 



158 , " "THE NEAV WOMAN." 

We need not be burdened with this reflection, 

On our degenerate race, 

That present glories are evanescent, 

And may change with time and place. 

An urn may contain the ashes of a man 

Whom the world' did fondly greet, 

Piling honors high upon him. 

And reclining at his feet. 

! [ ', 

The world is filled with jealousies. 
Born of base passion, pride ; 
Praise that should be accorded fully, 
Is by envious men denied. 
And why then raise this slab of marble. 
Pointing upward to the skies ? 
.: Write upon it : "Praise denied while living," 

Now, posthumous honors rise. 

I have one inordinate ambition, 
The poet, smiling said : 
' Grant me^a srnall share of recognition. 

Before I'm numbered with the dead. 
Mankind, I now' this notice serve upon you. 
If you me this privilege allow ; 
If I have written a thought of inspiration. 
Please give^me credit for it now. 



''THE; NEW WOMAN.' 



Since the days our grandma's lived, 

The women are not the same; 

Instead of the good old fashioned matron, 

We have now the modern dame. 

The brand ney/ woman has appeared 

On the ,n,ewspaperial,page ; 

For all old things have passed away, 

In our fast and bustling, age. 

Old maid conventions talk of "suffrage ;" 
The fact stares us plainly now. 
We have the maudlin maid in bloomers. 
Whose mother milked the cow. 



CONTRAST 159 

,The modern well-built bicycle, 
A long-felt want has filled ; 
Astride, arrayed in baggy bloomers, 
Sits our modern damsel skilled. 

The athlete plys his avocation 

By performing in his tights ; 

But we must yield the palm to women, 

Who are preaching for their ''rights." 

Clear the way, old bachelor fogies, 

A march on you she steals ; 

If you must deny her right to vote, " ' 

You cannot impede her wheels. 

The large family now is a nuisance; 
Our new woman has no charms 
In her make-up for numerous children, 
Squalling and hanging to her arms, 
She has no spare time to train them up ; 
She must her whole time employ 
In studying up the fashion plates ; 
To her life is only joy. 

^^Will she condescend to bring up (^hI^ren ? 
"Don't talk about it ! not much. 

This is something she leaves entirely 

To the Irish and the Dutch. 

In the great round of pleasure's dissipation, 

And at society's demands, 

To attend to noisy hungry children. 

Finds no favor at her hands. 



CONTRAST. 

Our race of mothers gone to heaven, 
Thought it no great disgrace 
To work to rear their numerous children; 
Each one in their hearts had place. 
Many and arduous were the struggles. 
And griefs they had to bear; ' ' 

But in their hearts they loved their children. 
Bestowing on them love and care. 



l^ ADDENDA. 

The children then looked like their fathers, 

A copy of their mother, too ; 

For she didn't train with several husbands, 

As some of our later women do. 

When we think of the ancient fire place. 

She still sits on memory's shrine ; 

She carried out the laws of her being, 

Obeying the Creator's laws divine. 

A queen sits no prouder than a mother. 
Who has blessed her humble home 
With a group of well-trained children, 
From whom the nation's heroes come. 
But neither filial love nor honor 
Awaits, it can be truly said, 
The woman who never bears children, 
To weep o'er her tomb when dead. 



ADDENDA. 

In their anatomical construction, 

In the cut of their jaw or jib. 

We believe they have descended from Adam, 

And made from the same old rib. 

But laying aside these old revelations, 

She is born now to compete ; 

And perhaps our generation of suitors, 

May think her just as sweet. 

We would not cast any mean aspersion 

On those born at later date ; 

"Times have changed, we have changed with them,'' 

Such is our transient mortal state. 

Still we think the proper sphere for women, 

And we hope she may ever rise. 

Is in the God-ordained home institution, 

Wherein all true happiness lies. 



TRUTH. 161. 



TRUTH. 



Truth unadorned is adorned most of all. — Author. "Magna 
est Veritas, et prevalebit." Translation — "Truth is 
mighty and will prevail." 

In speaking, my friend or untutored youth, 
Use facts that are plain — unvarnished truth, 
Rather than dissimulation fine ; 
Walk by this rule that is always straight, 
If you ever would be trusted or great ; 
Measure your course by this line. 

It may seem smart to prevaricate, 

Sharp to deceive and dissimulate, 

A mask of deception wear; 

The principles of truth are always sound, 

Eternal, immutable, unchangeable found, 

Plucked from heaven's own garden fair. 

How shall we deck the lily that grows. 
Enamel the matchless tints of the rose? 
Or in Hesperides' garden fair, 
Clothe the golden apples in richer hue ; 
Or paint the skies in a lovelier blue. 
In the stratas deep of the upper air? 

Can we lovelier make the tints of the morn 
Where the steeds of Jove are as racers borne. 
Their millifluous lights display? 
Can we improve on the infinite plan. 
That eternal intelligence gave to man, 
For truth will shine to the perfect day? 

We rejoice in the heaven-born precept sublime, 
That has stood o'er the wrecks and ruins of time ; 
Can no more than the firmament fall ; 
We cannot deck truth with a gorgeous design. 
That would make it more elegant look or fine ; 
For truth unadorned shines best of all. 



162 TRUTH. 

The ancient philosophers counted as wise, 
The touch-stone of truth did relish and prize, 
Though oft persecuted they were ; 
And the world to-day old thousands of years, 
Its searching light still shuns and fears ; 
For truth strips all sophistry bare. 

Part of the world in error still rears its head, 
And woiild its pestilential errors spread, 
Assuming the truth to teach ; 
While tyranny grim with despotic power, 
May with a rod of iron rule for an hour, 
And blasphemous doctrines teach. 

But these shall all with a hurricane sweep, 
Be hurled down to the bottomless deep; 
Divine prophecy hath us told, 
That falsehood must fall to rise no more ; 
For truth shall cover the continent's o'er; 
Its teachings increase a thousand fold. 

The sceptre of truth is on the universe arch ; 
Its glories shine forth in its conquering march. 
On the wings and the armor of Jove; 
The armies of heaven and earth exultingly sing, 
The victorious march of this conquering King; 
For truth is emblazoned in heaven above. 

No pencil can paint, nor yet brush portray 

A straighter line — a more perfect way, 

To the celestial boulevard broad ; 

For truth is a pearl that stands alone, 

Like an emerald bright bedecking the throne. 

Emitting sparks from the throne of God. 

Notes. — "Hesperides" — Three nymphs, daughters of Hesperus, 
who guarded the golden apples which Juno gave to Jupi- 
ter. "Jove" — The name of the Supreme Deity among 
the Romans. Here it means the Almighty. "Em- 
blazoned" — Adorned with figures of heraldry. "Boule- 
vard" — A public walk along a street. "Truth" — Con- 
formity to fact or reality, Webster. "My mouth shall 
speak truth, Prov. 9 chap. "It must appear that malice 
bears down truth," Shakespeare. 



PITTSBURG, PA. 163 

PITTSBURG, PA. 



'A great city reigning- like a queen from her dominant seat 
at the headwaters of the Ohio." — Hon. John Dalzell, Rep. 

Pittsburg standing ahead of all competitors, 

In her transcendent beauty is seen ; 

At the headwaters of the mighty Ohio, 

She sits as a reigning queen. 

Her furnaces emitting clouds of smoke, 

Give a tinge of darkness to the place ; 

Her thousands of workmen in arts skilled, 

May sometimes be seen with a sooty face. 

Into her lap an extended commerce, 

Now pours from far and distant climes; 

Her natural resources and boundless wealth. 

Are the marvelous features of the times. 

The products of her shops, field, forest and mine, 

A constant stream into her channels pour; 

And the products of her fire and forge, 

Are sent to the earth s remotest shore. 

All that ministers to the tastes and necessities. 

And the civilization of our age. 

Are found here in great profusion ; and men 

In all the arts and sciences engage. 

Here are beautiful homes of wealth and comfort. 

Which the humblest laborer may attain ; 

The millionaire capitalist gives to the laborer 

That wages by which he wealth may gain. 

Here science and modern invention thrive ; 
The road that leads to honor and to wealth. 
Is open to the poor but struggling genius ; 
For honest fame is not acquired by stealth. 
Here religion and education reign supreme ; 
Greece in her better palmier days, 
Could; not boast of such magnificent temples. 
As we now for our children raise. 



164 ENOCH ARDEN. 

Old time methods are now superseded, 
By applied electricity and steam, 
Compelling the elements to do us service, 
Which ancient philosophers did not dream. 
This is our boast and crowning glory, 
That we our children train and educate 
In the best schools of literature and science, 
Which tend to mak; 

We prophesy, her ship canal will 3^et be built, 
Great engineering triumph of modern days ; 
Her commerce be increased a thousand fold. 
Adding thus fresh laurels to her bays. 
Her past is a part of our nation's history. 
Which must forever remain secure ; 
Also, her pre-eminence and greatness in the future, 
Will, as a natural result, endure. 

And the patriotic "State of Allegheny," 
Of which our martyred president spoke. 
Can manufacture goods for every nation ; 
And will wear no foreign manufacturer's yoke. 
True — she tastefully sits as a dominant city. 
Gracefully attired, a reigning queen ; 
The moral grandeur of her men and women. 
Is in her established institutions seen. 

No foolish boast, this of pre-eminence. 
Which God and nature hath made ours ; 
Her natural resources stand unlimited. 
Likewise her genius and inventive powers. 
Proud that we are a citizen of no "mean city." 
We speak in prophetic tones and loud. 
That now in traveling we may rival the wind. 
Yet may mount our chariot on the cloud. 



ENOCH ARDEN— In a New Role. 



Some years ago in a far Western town, 
It being generally understood, 
There lived a seeming prosperous man, 
Whose-credit was rated eood. 



ENOCH ARDEN. 165 

He was the husband of a lovely wife, 
And a beautiful daughter too ; 
To outward appearance his dutiful wife, 
Was the possessor of happiness true. 

One fine star-lit night, he left the town — 
Did very suddenly disappear, 
Taking with him everything in reach. 
Excepting his wife and daughter dear. 
It then leaked out he creditors had. 
From whom he had borrowed cash; 
With a feeling of fury they beat themselves, 
And their teeth did fiercely gnash. 

The wife and daughter were destitute left 

By this fiend in human form ; 

They had not a dollar left in the world. 

To protect them from the storm. 

The world looked with suspicion upon them. 

And treating them in a manner cold ; 

That they were not depressed nor cast down, 

You will know when my story is told. 

The mother most earnestly went to work, 

With fine courage, undaunted will ; 

And the heroic daughter possessed of pluck, 

Resolved to retrieve her lost fortune still. 

They .prospered as they deserved to do; 

The- mother set up a store ; 

The daughter became a school principal ; 

Their wealth returned once more. 

They showed the world they were not to blame, 

For their sadly fallen rank ; 

They soon had money to supply their needs, 

Besides having account in bank. 

By dint of courage, struggle and effort. 

They surely deserved tO' win ; 

And proved to the cold indififerent world, 

The cause of their fall was not their sin. 

Let us now resume the thread of our story. 
Which now appears proper and meet ; 
A seedy tramp called at this lady's door, 
And begged for something to eat. 



166 MY FORTUNE. 

The good woman at him intently looked, 
And what did her greatly surprise, 
The long lost husband she saw in the tramp, 
Whom she at once did recognize. 

Now the practical part of my story comes in. 

Did she weep o'er the prodigal wild, 

And take him back to her loving embrace, 

As in the case of a long lost child? 

And did! she haste to slay the fatted calf, 

Prepare music and dance and feast. 

To welcome the prodigal husband of former years, 

Whom she now had expected least? 

Not by a jug-full — She had more sense ; 

And sternly bade him to flee, 

While she called the faithful family dog, 

Which pursued him up a tree. 

So the ungrateful wretch hied him away, 

Whom the world doth loathe and' scorn ; 

Dread retribution brought justice at last, 

And a vagabond wanders forlorn. 



MY FORTUNE. 



Why consult all oracles here below? 
What is good for me I'll surely know. 
My fortune is not found afar, 
In the situation of any star. 
Perhaps we mortals may find some boon. 
Some where beneath the sun or moon ; 
But where can I in the universe find, 
That undiscovered wealth of mine? 

What soothsayer can to me reveal 
The beauties of some Elysian field. 
Where my hopes in luxuriant verdure grow 
Whose ripened fruit I may some day know? 
And the fortune good of which I dream, 
May be realized — in abundance team ; 
And the fame in prospect, for which I pine. 
An actuality — may be mine. 



MY FORTUNE 167 

There's a fortune for you and me, no doubt, 
If we go to work and carve it out ; 
And the shapeless mass of unpolished stone, 
May be as a thing of beauty hereafter known. 
In the sculptured image an angel appears, 
That is celebrated thro' all coming years ; 
What once appeared an unshapely mass. 
Stands a model of beauty in its class. 

You may look for life into fortune's cup, 

Still hoping for something to turn up ; 

And spin around dame fortune's wheel, 

Till your judgment's sick and your senses reel; 

Vain fortune tellers and seers consult, 

With unsatisfactory, poor result; 

You may thus proceed till time shall cease ; 

Fortune will not be found in any of these. 

The only true recipe that I find, 
(Why grope for the goddess of fortune blind), 
Is to go into the struggle with might and main, 
And your every nerve and energy strain. 
By manfully striving, forging ahead. 
Taking the lead of others and not be led ; 
Then, if you find not fortune, or it finds not you. 
Discard what I've said as being untrue. 

The way to fortune is no royal road, 
Upon which are palatial sums bestowed ; 
But it may lead over some rock's abyss. 
The mountainous crag or the precipice ; 
But whether it is craggy, smooth or rough, 
Swerve not from your cause — it is not enough 
To look back and obstructions count ; 
You can, if you will these things surmount. 

If this short lesson I read you totally fail, 
Upon your drowsy soul for a moment prevail ; 
If you are made out of poor and worthless clay, 
Only fit to be kicked out of the way ; 
If there's not a noble sentiment in your soul. 
No care for distinction's final goal. 
Then I must finish with the sad refrain ; 
You're dead while living, your life's in vain. 



168 NATURAL FOOLS. 

NATURAL FOOLS. 

Some men are natural born fools, 

Whom neither sense nor reason rules ; 

They have a modicum small of brains, 

Over which they hold no patent reins. 

They may endeavor to soar up high, 

As the lordly eagle in the sky ; 

But when they flap their wings above the ground, 

The sun melts the wax and they fall down. 

Some men are born natural fools, 
In spite of learning sought at schools ; 
Conceit for brains, they substitute ; 
Chimerical whims for learnings fruit. 
Ideas disburse that blessings mar, 
That would turn pale the brightest star ; 
But their ignis-fatuus light's soon found. 
To lead away to marshy ground. 

Some men are natural born fools, 

Of knaves and dupes the willing tools ; 

And if they were but sent out to grass. 

They would be inferior to the ass 

That doesn't possess beauty or grace. 

Or comeliness of form or face ; 

For soon their braying and antics bring them down, 

And you just know where they can be found. 

Some men are born natural fools ; 
And we violate no proper rules 
When we would form them in a class. 
Between the donkey and the ass. 
When they essay great wit to sprout, 
You wonder, pause, stop and doubt. 
Whether an animal, man or goose, 
From some menagerie's not turned loose. 



GOOD HEALTH. 169 



GOOD HEALTH— "Mens Sana in Corpere Sano.' 



Translation — A sound mind in a sound body. "Beware of 
youthful excesses for they are so many conspiracies 
against old age." 

Oh give me the health that is better than wealth, 
Or gold on deposit or store ; 

Or gems from the land of some emerald strand, 
Or silver from Argentine's shore. 
With all these at will, could I be happy still, 
If health is a stranger to me; 
How dearly I prize the jewel that lies 
' At the foot of him who is free. 

From the bondage and thrall deliver us all 

From the implacable tyrant disease, 

Who with him may bring that terrible king, 

Making the heart of humanity freeze, 

Or brings if he will, the dread fever and chill, 

Before which the spirit must bend ; 

And this dreadful foe its victim lays low. 

And an open grave is the end. 

Erring mortals beware, and ever take care, 
There comes soon a reckoning day ; 
Youthful folly and sin will sometimes begin,. 
Like an avalanche sweep you away. 
When you might enjoy this, a lifetime of bliss, 
Looking back with serenest content. 

That you took care of your health, a mine of true wealth, 
That your previous life was well spent. 

I once knew a man who lived in our land. 

Who could scarcely a dollar enjoy; 

He little could talk ; 'twas a burden to walk. 

Or his money or bank-stock employ. 

His hundred thousand could not make him sound. 

Life to him was a burden and grief, 

When death with sad grace boldly stared in his face, 

And brought him the promised relief. 



170 BLENNERH ASSET'S ISLE. 

'Tis a melancholy reflection that we must mention, 

Its truth is apparently clear 

That the sins of the parents with their sad torrnents 

And penalties in their children appear. 

The disease may be born, the hope's not forlorn. 

That mortals may failings redeem ; 

In spite of heredity, lowness or penury, 

There may be a bright future for them. 

This law is prevailing we find availing. 

With its logic and truth combined ; 

A body that is sound is always found 

With strength and vigor of mind. 

But the mass of mankind appears purblind ; 

For a mess of pottage they trade 

For health that is given, best gift of heaven ; 

And diseases their body invade. 

Joy and health to the bowl that satiates the soul. 

Leaving behind no poisonous sting. 

That destroys the body and the fabric wholly, 

And death will infallibly bring. 

You, to whom I write, arise in your might. 

And guard as your honor this wealth ; 

If lost under the sun your're forever undone ; 

Then despise not the laws of health. 

Beware of youthful excesses that on life presses. 

Unbecoming folly and rage; 

Dark passions and vice that 'gainst you will rise; 

Conspire against your old age. 

Then hold to the health that is better than wealth, 

Oh, why should you throw it away, 

In follies below the best gift God did bestow, 

And suffer forever and aye? 



BLEINNERHASSET'S ISLE. 



Away down upon the broad Ohio 
Where doth dame nature smile, 
There stands a spot quite historic. 
Known as Blennerhasset's isle. 



BLENNERH ASSET'S ISLE. 171 

The current swiftly passing round it, 
Appears much as years gone by; 
But connected with it are associations, 
Time will not allow to die. 

It was here that Blennerhasset settled 
In this island wilderness, 
Who was a son of noble birth, 
With a wife to love and bless. 
He erected here a lovely mansion 
Upon this wild island ground; 
So that west of the Alleghenies, 
None better could be found. 

But amidst all this rustic splendor, 

Appointments new and fine, 

There stealthily appeared a serpent, 

With a cunning, bold design. 

It was that of Burr once prominent in 

State and national affair, 

Who began to hatch some scheme of treason. 

Which went floating through the air. 

Perhaps they fondly dreamed of empire, 
Which they proposed to found, 
Wresting a part of the American nation, 
From its foundations sound. 
But like many other treasonous schemes, 
This was surely doomed to fail ; 
While Burr and Blennerhasset fled. 
And behind them left no tale. 

The soldiers racked this regal mansion ; 

Not a single trace appears 

To remind one of its ancient history. 

And fate in earlier years. 

The proud and traitorous occupants. 

Who the government defied, 

Fled ; and pursued as fugitives abhored, 

In want and squalor died. 



172 IN OIL CITY IN 1865. 

The placid Ohio still meanders carrying 

Along its rapid stream 

The mighty commerce of the 'Tron City," 

Of which the ancients did not dream, 

Then while we read America's history, 

Take pride in her fair name. 

The traitorous Burr and Blennerhasset, 

Are consigned to eternal shame. ^ 

Notes. — Blennerhasset, son of a British nobleman, came to this 
island in 1797. Aaron Burr was once vice president of the 
United States. In 1805, Burr cam(e to this island and 
formed a scheme to capture the territory west of the Alle- 
gheny mountains, and perhaps found a new empire. Sol- 
diers were sent who nipped this scheme in the bud. The 
conspirators fled and were afterwards arrested on a 
charge of treason, but could not be proved guilty. How- 
ever, the epithet of treason still clings to them. 



IN.OIL CITY IN 1865. 



If you ever go to the City of Meadville, 

A city beautiful, grand in design, 

Are palatial mansions built by the wealthy, 

Reposing in architectural structure fine. 

Not many rods from the station there stands 

The imposing ''Delemater Block,'' 

Built by the man who had grown quite rich. 

By investing in ''Oil Creek stock." 

These were the days when shrewd monied men, 
Got rich as Croesus at a single bound ; 
Some from poverty and insignificance too, 
Became the wealthiest men in the town. 
For the treasures of oil in tJie deep "sand rock,' 
Had been for long ages wholly unknown. 
Till men with capital, push and energy, 
Drilled numerous holes in the ground. 

The earth to the tap of the drill did respond, 
And thousands of tanks were hurriedly built 
To hold the impetuous streams of oil, 
AVith which they were soon well filled. 



IN OIL CITY IN 1865. 173 

A forest of derricks grew up all around, 
Built on every available spot; 
A "Bonus" was offered, or munificent sum, 
To the possessor of the meanest lot. 

Countless adventurers here spent their money; 

All had the disease of ''oil on the brain ;" 

The lucky speculator got quickly rich. 

While those were much greater that made small gain. 

Millions of dollars were sunk down here ; 

The dollars smelt greasy and tasted of oil, 

With carboniferous acid the air was laden ; 

Yet each hurried along to share the spoil. 

We were a part of this great invasion, 
That came from all parts to the city of oil ; 
Along the Allegheny's meandering banks, 
We sitting in our derrick did drill and toil. 
The invasion of "Goth and Vandal"' was nothing 
Compared to the flow of humanity's stream ; 
The "Carpet Sack" brigade kept marching along, 
To procure wealth from oil was their dream. 

We worked in Plummer north-east of Oil City, 
For Venango was leased all around ; 
Here millions were spent in fruitless endeavor, 
Oil was not in great quantities found. 
But forests of derricks lined Cherry Run ; 
While a few made permanent gains. 
Thousands sank their wealth in a hole. 
And had bankruptcy left for their pains. 

But the deluge of oil in "Pithole City," 

Beats all record, years since or before ; 

Its fountains were opened reaching flood-tide ; - 

The "Rooker and Twins" kept a constant out pour. 

Pithole City at once leaped into prominence, 

Of transcending importance and wide renown ; 

From the wilds of a woody tangled forest. 

She sprang to the size of a populous town. 



174 IN OIL CITY IN 1865. 

Here were business blocks and theaters built ; 
Passing along you would frequently meet 
The virtuous — the "demi-monde" from the cities, 
While stumps yet remained; in the street. 
In this mush-room city of large pretensions, 
The man who struck oil got suddenly rich, 
While the poor devil who struck a dry hole," 
Was forced to the wall and fell in the ditch. 

Like many another quick-built mush-room city, 

She early showed signs of rapid decay; 

When her territory was drained by thousands of wells, 

Her wealth melted as snow flakes away. 

In a few short years where affluence dwelt, 

The moles — and bats and birds of the air 

Inhabit the place where the tide of fashion 

Stood, in this transient city but fair. 

We lived and acted a part of this drama, 
In this new and cosmopolitan town ; 
We helped to drill some flowing wells. 
In which oil was in plenty found. 
When, our mind reverts back to sixty-five, 
Seeing how swiftly great riches were made, 
We inwardly sigh that life's panorama 
And shifting scenes so suddenly fade. 

The story of Delemater is known in our State : 

Wallace in eighteen and ninety suffered defeat, 

Hon, R. E. Patterson won in the governor's race ; 

Our Meadville candidate had to retreat. 

His bank soon went under while creditors wept, 

Being unable or unwilling to pay; 

So the millions that came from investing in oil, 

Were as by a hurricane swept away. 

Some *'Coal Oil Johnny," as poor as a church mouse, 
Soon found himself worth millions in gold ; 
His wealth too sudden, alighting upon him. 
He found himself unable to hold. 
Three thousand dollars is a dangerous income. 
With each rising and set of the sun ; 
• The man owning this wealth may be no happier. 
Than he who owns little or none. 



•'THE MONROE DOCTRINIt." 175 

You may ask the question, did we not get rich, 
Where many hundreds of thousands were spent — 
Where fire devoured large streams of oil, 
And fortunes at once into nothingness went? 
Speculation not being our turn of mind, 
We felt rich on four dollars a day, 
Which we did invest near Pittsburg town. 
Where we have yet continued to stay. 

But we must with this brief reminiscence close. 
As it may not our readers interest ; 
But to record this brief memoir of a busy life. 
We hesitate — but sometimes think it best, 
So if you ever visit the City of Meadville, 
Look about ; you'll find correct what I say ; 
The block as a monument to Delemater stands, 
While its former owner has passed away. 



'THE MONROE DOCTRINE." 



As applied to Great Britain or any other European power, in 
regard to further territorial aggression or acquisition on 
the Western Continent. 

We believe in the Doctrine of Monroe 

That it is surely just and right, 

But then, admitting that is so. 

We cannot afford to fight. 

Uncle Sam can't stand for all creation ; 

His power however great, 

Assume the quarrel of each nation. 

Or yet grant protectorate. 

We will not permit our weaker neighbors, 

To be of wealth or honor shorn ; 

Our influence extends from Behring Straits 

Away down to Cape Horn. 

Yet we cannot espouse the quarrels 

Of each South American State ; 

This is a monstrous stretch of doctrine. 

We cannot now contemplate. 



176' ' 'THE MONROE DOCTRINE. " 

But if 'Great Britain or any other power 
Shairby force on conquest seize 
An inch of Uncle Sam's dominions; 
Or seaboard cities, if you please. 
Then shall the marshaled hosts of freedom 
With camion, sword and gun, 
Give the erieiiiy a warm reception, 
And soon have him on the run. 

We 'canhdn fight for matters trivial, 

Which if we did attain, 

Would' niany millions cost in treasure, 

And a hundred thousand slain. 

We seek no quarrel with Great Britain ; 

But if she fails to do what's right, 

We very^soon can'bring her to her senses, 

In some other way than fight. 

If Great Britain's flag has ruled the ocean, 

And did some rude nations take, 

Civilization, art and science 

Has followed in her wake. 

But we ^n'ow this notice serve uppn her. 

And .'We mean it to be so. 

That in the future in this hemisphere. 

She can no further go. 

We would not our present boundary limit. 

But not by a "pirate's" hand, 

But by the laws of gravitation. 

Shall we own this Western land. 

This Northern Continent shall be ours 

Without the firing of a gun ; 

With or without foreign acquiescence, . 

Shall be these trophies won. 

The day Tor- foreign colonization, 

By either fraud or force, 

Is relegated to the past ages, 

And now has run its course. 

Each American Republic hereafter, 

Must enjoy the boon of peace ; 

And we warn^ all foreign intermeddlers, 

Now's the proper time to cease. 



TRIBUTE TO .UUJExMA. 177 

TRIBUTE TO ARMENIA. 



Ancient Armenia, arise make answer, 

Where has thy banner of freedom fled? 

Tigranes ruled thy ancint government. 

That now belongs to nations dead. 

But thy noble spirit and spark of freedom, 

No Turkish tyranny can down ; 

And would that Christian nations or Armenia, 

The barbarous Turk uncrown. 

Europe's gathered fleets lie still at anchor 
At Constantinople's gates, yet 'tis a shame. 
That Christian powers stand in apathy. 
Lowering the standard of the Christian name. 
Shall brigandage and assassination 
Their hellish and brutal force display? 
And yet our feeble Christian civilization. 
Permits the Turk to hold such sway. 

Shall we indifferent look upon slaughtered thousands. 

And massacres dire, and butcheries grim, 

When torch and sword, rapine and plunder, 

Make all former atrocities grow dim ? 

A power that concedes no form of freedom, 

Can be of no real genuine worth ; 

And the united arms of Christendom, 

Should arise and sweep it from the earth. 

How much loncrer shall the flasf of Christian freedom 

Be made to trail low in the dust? 

God of heaven ! awake in thy mis;-htv vengeance 

And revenge thy down-trod'den just. 

Historic, ancient land of Armenia 

Upon which the true light never set ; 

Thou shalt as the phoenix, rise from thy ruins ; 

There is in reserve for thee sweet freedom yet. 

The tottering Satrap on the Bosphorus, 

Must be as Lucifer cast down ; 

For soon is filled his cup of iniquity. 

And he wears of eternal infamy the crown. 



178 AN IROQUOIS LEGEND. 

In this age brutal force can't long triumph ; 

Nor canting hypocrisy make its lair 

At the straits of the Bosphorus ; but Christian freedom 

Must conquer ; I behold it in the air. 

Let us show the world the cross must conquer ; 

Oppressed nationalities must be free ; 

That the accursed crescent stained with blood, 

Must be lowered ; swept from every sea. 

Words are too weak to adequate convey the 

Abominations of the ''unspeakable Turk." 

I ask — shall Christian Armenia be blotted out, 

When to save her would be Christian work? 



AN IROQUOIS LEGEND, Or "The Land of Souls." 



Written by Henry R. Schoolcroft who was born in 1793. In 
the versification of this Legend I follow the trend of ideas 
used by this author with some original ones as they sug- 
gest themselves, and seem appropriate to fill out the nar- 
rative. — Jan. 4, 1896. 

Uncas sat in mourning, his head upon his knees ; 
The forests all were green with the foliage of the trees. 
The buffalo trail at hand, the prairie's broad domain. 
Seen in the gentle Zephyrs, as a field of ripened grain. 
The great river rolled its waters to the ocean far away, 
Where the ''Great Spirit's" children see no declining day; 
The sun shone brightly, among the waving- trees. 
While Uncas sat in mourning, his head upon his knees. 

Uncas had been a gallant warrior, was never counted slow ; 
His name had driven terror to the heart of every foe ; 
The approach of the w^arrior, like the whirlwind in its course, 
Was relentless as the prairie fire in all its dreadful force. 
Among the distant lodges, his name had terror spread ; 
And many a squaw sat mourning, her lover being dead. 
The sun shone full upon him, as he lay beside the grave 
Of his beloved, in mourning, whose presence he did crave. 



AN IROQUOIS LEGEND. 179 

A young squaw had promised him, to happy make his life ; 

The day for the wedding set, in which she'd be his wife ; 

The day for joining hand had come, perfumed by summer's 

breath ; 
The day for the wedding witnessed the bride laid low in death. 
In a mound by the winding river did this noble brave, 
Ubder the genial sunshine, consign her to her grave. 
Then Uncas drove in stakes where his precious treasure lay ; 
He, in unconsolable grief and sadness, turned away. 

The war club lay neglected in the corner of the room ; 

The bow hung idle to the roof of his ding-y, lonely home ; 

The swift arrow bore not death to the buffalo any more, 

Nor did his spear smite the fish along the sunnv shore. 

The "Great Spirit" frowned upon him, unpropitious was the 

breeze ; 
Day and night he sat in mourning, his head upon, his knees. 
The ancient doctors told him of a fair and shadowy land. 
Where he could seize with pleasure, his Indian maiden's hand, 
Situated in a region between the ecjuator and the poles, 
A place for glad reunion "The happy land of Souls." 



Uncas grieved and pondered as he lay uneasy on his bed ; 
Then wandered fast toward the land, where had his maiden 

fled. 
Thus sorrowing onward he proceeded, in mind a captive slave, 
Till he beheld the mound above her, then wept upon the grave. 
Then he departed southward, intently gazing round. 
Where the land of Souls and spirits might be found. 
He wandered over forest, over meadow, hill and stream ; 
But yet could see no kindly light, in radiance on- him beam. 



Then soon into a brighter place, he turned his longing view, 
Where the forests were all green, beneath the skies so blue. 
At last he came to a noble lodge, upon a point of land, 
Where there appeared before him, a most venerable man. 
In ample robe of skins was this aged pioneer clad. 
Informing the young chief, to see him he was glad. 
His bride had passed this lodge, but a little time before, 
On her journey from this world to the happy hunting shore. 



180 AN [ROQUOIS LE(.END. 

"See yon gulf beyond the prairie," the old man gently said : 
''That is the region of all Souls/' the stream beyond the dead. 
The boundary of that land is here, but you must bear in mind, 
Before you enter that harbor, you, must your body leave 
behind. 

It was an eagle's flight, he in a new country stood, 

Where bright and golden was the stream, beside a verdant 

wood ; 
The songsters held, a festival with happiness replete; 
And flowers appeared the richest, none ever seemed more 

sweet. 

Beautiful beings passed along, health-giving fountains played, 
And islands of grand scenery, that never more can fade. 
And Uncas there beheld a group of old-time trusted friends 
In this land of perennial freshness where pleasure never ends. 
On the strand he found a canoe, of bright refulgent stone. 
Into which he entered, to find where his Indian maid had gone. 
He entered on his journey stemming both waves and tide, 
When suddenly before his vision, his darling he espied. 

At length they reached the shore of that happy golden isle, 
Where glad images of beauty in supernal grandeur smile; 
They wandered on together thro' those deathless fields of light, 
Where age is not extinguished, but youth keeps ever bright. 
Their loving hearts communed on the beauty of the scene. 
Beyond the gates of Paradise where death had never been ; 
But said Uncas to himself I would remain forever here. 
But I must return back to earth to finish my career. 

''Return," said the unknown voice, "to the land from whence 

you came." 
"You have many years yet to live and build a famous name ; 
Many years in mortal life will pass away from view, 
Before you finish the appointed work which 3^ou must surelv 

do." 
"Enriching the thoughts of your nation, do all the good you 

can. 
So will you make an enduring name among your fellow men. 
Pause not before great obstacles, neither turn nor quail; 
Breathe a sprit of defiance, you cannot surely fail." 



THE POOR MAN'S POSSESSION. 181 

''When you cross ag-ain this border, no foes can you annoy, 
Your bride will clasp you in her arms with gladsomeness and 

joy." 
The young warrior then awoke, and found that he lay 
Beside the prairie grave near the closing of the day. 
He arose in pensive spirit and toward home his footsteps 

pressed, 
Just as the sun was sinking to his chamber in the West. 
And what yet may be real did to this warrior seem, 
The beginning, the continuing, the sequel to a dream. 



THE POOR MAN'S POSSESSION. 



'A Fool for Luck and a Poor Man for Children." 

I have a little jaunty wife; 

And I have children nine ; 

And as they recognize their daddy, 

I know the flock is mine. 

Do I love those ragged urchins? 

God knows my heart, I do ; 

Thro' fire, storm or water, 

rd strive to carry them through. 

The raven locks that used to play 

Around the youthful brow, 

Are almost changed to silver gray, - 

And life is real now. 

Our youthful dreams of riches 

Have taken fleeting wings ; 

And fortune's vain delusions, 

Are unsubstantial things. 

I own a little graden plot 

Fixed up in style that's fine, 

But to what does it amount 

When I divide by nine. 

But on the world cold, unfeeling, 

'Tis useless to depend ; 

Be the architect of your own fortune, 

If you wish to keep a friend. 



182 A DIVIDING LINE. 

Here comes a group of children 

To play around my knee ; 

And it is the truth I'm teUing, 

They all depend on me. 

Do I love those romping children? 

God Icnows my heart, I do ; 

Tho' I be deprived of many things, 

I'd try to carry them through. 

I have no solid sinking fund, 

Nor much of real estate; 

My bank stock or investments, 

I cannot say are great. 

But as life is quite uncertain, 

My earnings are quite small ; 

Still I patronize the savings bank. 

And do not spend it all. 

Have you a wife and children 
Whom you consider dear? 
You are fulfilling God's own purpose. 
For which you were placed here. 
It is your sworn, bounded duty, 
To prepare for years to come ; 
To love, protect and cherish. 
Those darlings of your home. 

Should we then have a wife and children, 

And life to us seems fair, 

God for some useful purpose. 

Entrusts them to our care. 

Thrice blest the family circle, 

Though wealth is incomplete, 

Where heaven and earth their benisons. 

Blend in communion sweet. 



A DIVIDING LINE. 



*T would like to have you either through money, or 'Life In- 
surance,' be able to leave the world feeling that your fam- 
ily need not become paupers." — T. De Witt Talmage. 

There is a dividing line you see 
Between those that would properous be, 
And those that would not ; 



A DIVIDING LINE. 183 



So wise it is in life to prepare 
For times of destitution and care ; 
An excellent thing is forethought. 

Ah, who would a worthless pauper be, 
When by continued industry, he 
Might a competence secure, 
Against a possible ''rainy day," 
That unsolicited come it may. 
And not be a beggar poor 



A life insurance thought it may cost. 
Is a fortune that cannot be lost 
By the world's ups and downs ; 
'Tis better than gold in failing banks, 
Insignia, title, worthless ranks ; 
Or the uncertain tenure of crowns. 



The world's reverses may sweep you down ; 
A thousand and one things may be found,- 
Against you to conspire ; 
The strongest physical health may fail ; 
Secret foes your being may assail ; 
Laugh when you stick in the mire. 

Let you be poor, or let you be rich. 

It matters very little which. 

So that you seize old "Father Time" 

By the forelock on his brow ; 

To prepare against emergencies hard, 

Requires a constant daily guard : 

The time to prepare is now, 

We see of transient things the trend ; 

Of the "Unrighteous Mammon" make your friend, 

And obey the Gospel true ; 

As you have done those things for me, 

Your children will remember thee ; 

And heaven shall claim thee too. 



184 KELIGIOUS THOUGHT. 

I then would have you the world leave, 
So that when friends around you grieve, 
Your family may be blest; 
Then wrapt in cloak of peace secure. 
Your name and fame will still endure ; 
And sweet will be your rest. 



RELIGIOUS THOUGHT. 



Above all that has been said, can be said, or will be said, religi- 
ous thought occupies the greatest intellects; inspires the 
greatest minds, and is the source of life and immortality. 

Socrates taught us immortal life, 

But he only imperfectly knew 

The doctrine that he had evolved. 

While much that he said was untrue. 

That the soul is immortal he well understood, 

Seen only thro' a dim light ; 

Dense d'arkness reigned when he lived, — 

The depths of heathendom's night. 

We rejoice we live in a much clearer age. 

When light and true knowledge ablaze. 

Rivals the glaring meridan sun. 

Imparting its life-giving rays. 

Moses gave to a darkened world the law 

From Sinai's mount of flame, 

But faith and truth and righteousness 

With the lowly Nazarene came. 

It needs more than human wisdom to speak; 

A greater than inspired pen 

To unfold the marvelous work of the spirit, 

In renewing degenerate men. 

When we stand on our perch of humility. 

Behold man ruined by the fall, 

We marvel that Infinite love was so great, 

As to ever extend him a call. 

When all has been said that can be said. 
As compared with religious thought, 
How vain, mean and co^ntempible ! 



THE MASTER'S WOKK. 185 

They readily sink to nought. 

Thou Infinite mind, grant us the power, 

That we may vividly portray 

The glorious truths by religion taught, 

In showing erring mortals the wa}^ 



THE MASTER'S WORK. 



'Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?" Acts 9:6. 

Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? 

Is there never a work for me? 

Shall I never labor to save a soul, 

Whilst others I busy see? 

I know there's a work I'm destined to do. 

Lord, grant me aid to carry it through. 

I know there's a way in which I should walk ; 

I know there are evils to shun ; 

I know for me there's a kingdom and crown. 

To be either lost or won. 

Then let me press forward and win the prize, 

While it now in my power to reach it lies. 

The Master hath called for his harvest hands, 

For His fields are ready to reap; 

He wants souls that are anxious and willing, 

His pastures in order to keep. 

There is a work then, that I can do : 

Lord, grant me grace to carry it through. 

Why stand ye idling thus to-day? 

Go up and possess the land : 

The wilderness must be first passed through, 

Before you as victors stand. 

Have ye yet passed the Red Sea wave. 

Or do you Egypt's flesh-pots crave? 

The Master kindly asks you to work. 

To build up His kingdom here ; 

He wants you, as one of His royal guests, 

In bridal robes to appear. 

He wants you to begin the work to-day ; 

Not only to work, but watch and pray. 



186 ''YE HATH TAKEN AWAY MY^ GODS." 

Ye countless thousands, why do ye stand 
As though there was nothing to do? 
There may be one poor sinner waiting, 
And expecting a blessing from you. 
Why will ye stand back until too late, 
Or will ye press in at the pearly gate? 

Here is an example for ages to come : 
When Saul the true light did view, 
Imploring the Master, he trembling said, 
''Lord, what will thou have me to do?" 
He preached ; nor death nor power nor force. 
Could swerve him from pursuing this course. 

Ye drowsy Christians, arouse, awake ! 

Your Master's calling pursue. 

Come and take the kingdom by force. 

For His kingdom is given to you. 

We rejoice there is something for us to do, 

God grant us faith to carry it through. 



YE HATH TAKEN AWAY MY GOD'S." 



Judges 18:24. 
I'm left in a manner forlorn and sad. 
Oh, what shall I do or say; 
I've nought in the world to make me glad, 
They have taken my gods away. 
My soul is weary, my heart is sick, 
Where on this earth shall I find. 
An object to worship ; help me quick 
To relieve my sorrows of mind. 

Oh, I had not thought of this dreadful day. 
Which now appears to have come, 
When I have no god to which I can pray. 
No object of worship at home. 
You ruthless despoilers have had your way, 
Have taken my precious store ; 
No god I can call my own to-day ; 
What on earth have I more? 



THE CHURCH OF TODAY. 187 

Then, all may an object lesson heed, 

From a simple text like this ; 

An omnipotent God, you must have indeed, 

To secure your share of bliss. 

Does the world or mammon, or time, or sense, 

Secure of your life control ? 

Are worldly things of more consequence, 

Than the saving of the soul ? 

Ye lukewarm Chjistians, where is your zeal. 

Has your sense of duty fled? 

Have you a name to live, a heart to feel 

Or is your religion dead? 

Shall the heathen in his land of night. 

Have greater zeal for his god 

Than the Christian who w^alks in the broad daylight, 

Of His promises shed abroad? 

Solemn admonition for you and me? 

Let none take our God away. 

Where shall we stand, or where shall we be 

In His great judgment day? 

When the universe shall be rolled as a scroll. 

All earthly hopes run down. 

Let us firmly cling to the God of our soul ; 

And humbly wait for His crown. 

I'm left in a manner forlorn and sad, 

What now can I do or say? 

I have trifled away the call that I had, 

I have now m sin grown gray. 

There is yet for you mercy in God's great store ; 

Humble yourself and come nigh ; 

Oh, haste to seek Him ; His aid implore. 

And you cannot surely die. 



THEI CHURCH OF TO-DAY. 

The church of to-day as a beacon set high, 

Stands shedding her sunbeams afar ; 

With her foot placed on the earth, she points to the sky, 

Basks in the bright light of Bethlehem's star. 



188 THE CHURCH OF TODAY. 

She's been founded in sorrow, in trials and tears; 

Her foes have sought to. blot out her name ; 

Yet the stronger she grows with the lapse of her years, 

For she's fed by omnipotent flame. 

The church of to-day — for what does she stand, 

For all that is glorious, beautiful, true ; 

For all that enlightens, ennobles our land, 

For all that makes us peculiarly grand. 

Thrice blest is the work she gives us to do. 

With her breastplate of Faith, her anchor of Hope, 

Charity true doth her ramparts adorn ; 

The kings of the earth shall arise at her call ; 

Her thanksgiving incense breathes forth on the morn. 

They shall come from the East, the isles of the West, 

And stand on the battlements high ; 

Those that dwell in her shadow shall call themselves blest. 

For the day of her triumph is nigh. 

From the furthermost ends of the earth, 

To the uttermost bounds of the sea, 

As a safe retreat for the nations and tribes, 

They shall into her safe harbor flee. 

An army with banners, a strong mighty host, 

No foes can ever against her prevail ; 

The dominion of satan shall be overthrown. 

And his kingdom shall utterly fail. 

Hail, glorious, grand, magnificent light. 

To that city of refuge we flee ; 

The day-spring on high hath illumned our path ; 

AVe exulting thy glories shall see. 

The church of to-day stands on solid rock; 

For Jehovah hath sworn from His throne on high, 

Hell's battlements never her foundations can shock ; 

Her omnipotent guards are the hosts of the sky. 

Hallelujah He reigns, her triumphant head, 

Who as a conqueror rose from the grave ; 

This world shall be saved, the glad tidings spread ; 

He shall forever reign who is mighty tO' save. 



EASTER MORNING. 189 

EASTER MORNING— No. i. 



Oh, hark, 'tis the earthquake's deep murmur; 

All nature's enshrouded in gloom, 

The veil of the temple is riven, 

The Savior's embalmed in the tomb. 

The disciples o'erburdened with sorrow, 

And bowed with a burden of grief, 

Had hoped that the coming to-morrow, 

Might bring to their minds some relief. 

Anon, the angel from heaven descended. 
And away, he hath turned the stone: 
The keepers are quaking with terror ; 
The Lord had arisen and gone. 
The rock-hewn sepulchre's empty ; 
Broken down the door of the prison ; 
Hear the voice of the angel proclaiming. 
Our Savior the Lord had arisen. 

The first day of the week when assembled. 

Their crucified IMaster appears ; 

To them His "commission" is given, 

And blessings for all future years. 

Now glad are the hearts of the weary disciples 

Archangels in peans of song, 

Resounding- in depths of heaven's high arches ; 

Sweet anthems of music prolong. 

Bring forth your best gifts all His children, 

For the Lord hath arisen to-day ; 

O'er death and the grave He hath triumphed ; 

To heaven hath opened the way. 

No language can tell of His suffering-; 

No language can speak of His love ; 

No other can save us but Jesus, 

And prepare us a mansion above. 

Oh, what shall we render unto Him. 
May we always choose the good part; 
For He is always pleased to accept, 
A contrite and oenitent heart. 



190 EASTER. 

Let all nations of earth bring Him homage, 

Till heaven's hallelujah's shall raise; 

And the ransomed of earth and the angels of heaven, 

Shall unite in His marvelous praise. 



EASTER— No. 2. 



''He is not here, for He is risen." Matt. 20: 
The throes of crucifixion are over ; 
And He who is mighty to save, 
Has left the cold chamber's slumber. 
And triumphed over the grave. 
The sunset of eve sank in sorrow ; 
The morning disperses the gloom ; 
"He is not here for He's risen/' 
And broken the bars of the tomb. 

Thus the minions of earth are defeated ; 
At morning the conqueror waits. 
To comfort the weary disciples. 
Now standing outside of the gates. 
Come, crown Him with garlands of flowers. 
And strew the conqueror's way ; 
"He is not here, for He's risen," 
The angel proclaimeth to-day. 

The high archangels rejoicing, 
Unite in a glorious strain. 
While the songs of redemption shall echo. 
And gladly take up the refrain. 
And now, as the cold earth awakens, 
Once more becomes vocal with song; 
"He is not here, for He's risen," 
The voice of rejoicing prolong. 

Thus the grand deliverer triumphs ; 
The greatest foes did defeat ; 
Erect your arch in the conqueror's path. 
And strew your wreathes at His feet. 
All nations and tribes sound His praises, 
Their exalted Redeemer to own, 
"He is not here, for He's risen," 
Our great Intercessor alone. 



EASTER. 191 

Be silent ye muse of Apollo, 
Broke is your musical chord ; 
For earth's sweetest strains shall be sung 
To the praise of its new risen Lord. 
As the rolling seasons pass o'er us, 
This is the song we shall sing; 
'He is not here, for He's risen," 
And hallowed the glories of spring. 

'And he repaired the altars that had been broken down." 

Bible. 
Come let us the broken down altars repair. 
And bring to our God the sweet incense of prayer 
From a soul full of faith, a heart full of love. 
Meet for the cause of the A faster above. 
With hearts full of thanksgiving and praise. 
To our Father our anthems acceptably raise ; 
Sweet hallelujahs our tongue shall inspire. 
Till our voices shall blend with the heavenly choir. 
Yea, let us the broken-down altars repair, 
For our Maker above is the hearer of prayer ; 
The song that He puts in our mouth we shall sing, 
And swell the great chorus of Jesus our King. 

Oh, loved one yet wandering hi pathways of sin. 
He pleads with you now, and inviteth you in ; 
Erect then your altar — erect it with care. 
And say "Dearest Savior," accept my prayer. 
Our Father has promised to merciful be. 
And Jesus has died to redeem such as thee. 
His spirit He gives to each penitent heart ; 
A home and a crown after life doth depart. 
Let each one the broken-down altars repair. 
For our Master above is the hearer of prayer ; 
The song of redemption we ever shall sing, 
And swell the great chorus of Jesus our King. 



192 A HOLE IN THE WALL. 

A HOLE IN THE WALL. 



'And he brought me to the door of the court and when I 
looked, behold a hole in the wall." Ezek. 8:7. 

*'He brought me to the door of the court," 
Leading in to the haunts of sin ; 
Through a hole I was permitted to see 
The votaries that were therein. 
And the secret sins there committed, 
Will stand in a bold array, 
And sink the soul to the lowest hell. 
When comes the judgment day. 

. Let us penetrate that secret chamber. 
And behold the motley crew ; 
And see what the votaries of folly. 
In their wanton mad'ness do. 
It is here that lust and passion, 
Inflamed by strong drink and wine. 
Indulge in bacchanalian orgies ; 
Stamp out the image divine. 

Here men of wealth and maids of beauty. 
Into the depths of folly sink ; 
Thus com;mingling and carousing, 
They are on perditions brink. 
Revolting crimes are here committed. 
That will not bear the light ; 
That savor of satan's carnivals, 
Whose thriving time is the night. 

The world is full of abominations. 

That are cunningly hid from view ; 

And the outside world will never know. 

What the inside world do. 

Thus the onward march of iniquity 

Is the same in every age ; 

Men will suffer in madness for their sins ; 

Die in the phrenzy of their rage. 



A HOLE IN THE WALL. m\ 

In the chambers of his imagery, 

With a censor in his hand, 

See an old and hardened sinner, 

In his sable garments stand. 

He worships the goddess of fortune, 

And Mammon from the east ; 

Behold him emerge from his temple, 

And see the marks of the Beast. 

There stands a substantial palace — 

A gilded court of sin ; 

God will never forgive the inmates. 

For the crimes that are done within. 

Sweet innocence is deprived of virtue. 

And beauty hidles in shame ; 

Right here we must condemn some women. 

Who bring disgrace on the name. 

Millions sacrifice in other ways 
Their hopes for life to come ; 
Their prosperity and peace of mind, 
And on earth a happy home. 
God pity our sinful fallen race. 
Must our brother or sister fall. 
And must the syrens of vice and sin, 
Continue to plague us all? 

But as the bubbles that rise and sink, 

As the flakes that come and go. 

We see this restless human tide. 

In a downward current flow. 

Shall virtue or vice be triumphant? 

Shall wisdom^ or folly win ? 

When will earth's teeming millions, 

Forsake the paths of sin? 

Tho' the pleasures of sin may seem sweet, 

You will have cause to regret ; 

Sin goes not unpunished in this world. 

Reward of justice must be met. 

We know that warnings will be useless. 

But in virtue's name we call ; 

Your secret sins will come to light ; 

You're seen thro' a hole in the wall. 



194 WHITHER SHALL WE FLEE? 

WHITHER SHALL WE FLEE? 



When temptations round us gather, 

Oh, whither shall we flee, 

For protection, strength and succor, 

O Lord, but unto Thee ? 

When troubles round us hover, 

Our pathway lonely be. 

Then wilt thou grant us solace. 

By coming unto Thee. 

May the earnest of thy spirit 
Thy grace that's full and free 
Rest upon thy humble servant, 
A portion give to me. 
As is our day of labor, 
So our strength shall be ; 
May it be our great endeavor, 
To give our hearts to Thee. 

Let us tO' heaven our glances, 

Cast upward as we go ; 

Pray that our cups of blessings, 

May surely overflow. 

But if we feel His chastening hand, 

Ah, whither shall we flee? 

Thy potent arm can heal us 

If we only come to Thee. 

Lord, lead us in thy pathway, 

And crown us with thy grace, 

So that we, at last, in heaven, 

Secure a resting place. 

From times storm, clouds and tempest, 

Ah, whither shall we flee? 

We shall anchor in the harbor, 

And safely trust in Thee. 



'THE BRIGHT AND MORNING STAR." 



Thou root and ofl^-spring of David, 
Thou bright and morning star, 
Let the gleams of thy bright radiance, 
Shine on our souls afar. 



THE BRIGHT AND MORNING STAR. 195 

From the dome of heaven's hi^trh arches. 
Where supernal glories are. 
Shine on our world of death and darkness, 
Thou bright and morning star. 

Thou highest, brightest constellation, 
Whose light no clouds can mar. 
Illumine our hearts benighted, 
Thou bright and morning star. 
Brighter than Arcturus' glories. 
Or the day's triumphal car. 
Or Orion in majestic splendor, 
Is our bright and morning star. 

When our planet was enshrouded 
In gloom of death and night, 
Brighter than the rays of the morning, 
W^s thy pure effulgent light. 
When heaven's portals are opened, 
The white gate stand's ajar. 
May we enter in the radiance. 
Of this brig'ht and morning star. 

Shine on in thy glorious splendor, 
Sitar of the Soul sublime. 
Thy light shall shine for millions yet, , 
Beyond the wrecks of time. 
Thou root and off-spring of David, 
No night our peace can mar ; 
Light us to thy celestial harbor, 
Thou bright and morning star. 

Gracious, beneficent Spirit, 

Who deigns our souls to bless. 

Prince of peace, eternal ruler, — 

Author of righteousness : 

Thou root and off-spring of David, 

Whose sons we truly are, 

Make us a home in thy mansion. 

Thou bright and morning star. 



196 THE GUIDING HAND. 

THE GUIDING HAND. 



With an outstretched omnipotent arm, 

Jehovah's mighty hand, 

Led them through the wilderness 

Unto the promised land. 

They were in the wilderness entangled, 

The sea had shut them in ; 

The mighty wilderness in the rear, 

A pursuing army passing near. 

The Red Sea wave for them is cloven ; 
They walk as on dry land ; 
They perceive the power of Jehovah, 
And see His guiding hand. 
''Better for us to serve the Egyptians 
Than in the wilderness to die,"' 
Is the voice of their lamentations — 
The wail of their bitter cry. 

"Fear ye not, stand still and see the 
Salvation of your God." 
He shall fight your battles. 
He shall guide you on your way; 
Your enemies shall be scattered. 
As the mists at break of day. 

''They were all baptized to Moses, 
In the cloud and the sea." 
A pillar of fire shone above them ; 
A pillar of cloud by day, 
Pharoah's power has vanquished been ; 
A wall of waves is placed between. 

He gave them heavenly manna. 
Which fell in the night as dew ; 
Partaking this satisfied hunger. 
As the desert they passed through. 
And when they were pressed in battle, 
Ere they reached the promised land, 
Jehovah's power omnipotent, 
Is seen in His guiding hand. 



THANKS. jr,7 



Through Elysian plains we wander 
In the full-robed blaze of day ; 
Or trouble's wilderness meander. 
And cannot see our way : 
Look aloft to the pillar of fire : 
Leading- to the promised land : 
Cast your aspirations higher ; 
Behold the guiding hand. 



THANKS. 

For all thy tender mercies 

In our pathway shed abroad, 
And for all thy living kindness, 
. We thank thee, O our God. 

For all thy favors given 

Upon this earthly sod, 
For the bright hopes of heaven, 

We thank thee, O our God. 

For the light of truth refulgent, 
The way our father's trod, 

For heaven's beams resplendent. 
We thank thee, O our God. 

The friends by which surrounded. 

As we homeward, onward plod ; 
For the gift of grace unbounded, 

We thank thee, O our God. 

For our creation and redemption, 
For thy spirit's blest abode, 

For the wonders of salvation, 
We thank thee, O our God. 

For the meek and lowly Savior, 
Shall we in strains applaud ; 

For whose especial favor, 
We thank thee, O our God. 



198 OUR CHOICE. 

OUR CHOICE. 



So long- as the Lord permits us, 
With heart and hand and voice, 
We shall still continue to labor 
'In the good old church of our choice. 
And when in old age we're g'athered, 
To enjoy our season of rest; 
The church ransomed shall receive us, 
And honor us as her guest. 

The church is our spiritual mother, 

In \vhich we first saw the light; 

Shall we then not love her, give her honor, 

And make her our heart's delight? 

She is the noblest institution 

Upon these shores of time ; 

Around her eternal glories center, 

And golden truths sublime. 

The world is her field of conquest. 
And the fruits of many lands. 
Shall be gathered up and treasured, 
Till her voice the world commands. 
Spiritual aid to us she will render 
When our earthly sun shines dim ; 
For she reflects from heaven the splendor, 
When seen in the light of Him. 
Who in bridal robes hath dressed her, 
And adorned her as His ''Bride :" 
In her Savior's love and eternal fullness, 
She is forever to abide. 

In that grand celestial city. 

Where we some day hope to be, 

We shall partake of the luscious fruits 

That grow by the golden sea ; 

The cherished hopes and aspirations, 

That once were ours on earth. 

Shall give away to realizations. 

In the land of our new birth. 



THE BETTER LIFE. 199 



Most glorious church of Zion ! 

The fruit she yearly yields, 

Is the health and life of nations, 

And reclaiming of her fields. 

"Then shall the wilderness rejoice 

And blossom as the rose ;" 

The ends of the earth hear her voice, 

And in her palaces repose. 



THE BETTER LIFK 



Would you the better life desire 

And gain the highest prize? 

Let heavenly joys your mind inspire, 

And upward cast your eyes. 

Would you reach that house of splendor. 

Ecstatic pleasures win? 

Be opened wide the celestial gates. 

And let the pardoned in. 

Laborious discipline is ours, 

So that we may not rove 

In paths of sin's forbidden bowers, 

But seek our house above : 

Then be clad in robes immortal, 

Cleansed from every sin ; 

Be opened wide ye celestial gates, 

Admit the ransomed in 

Grand employments, true pleasures, 

Unknown to mortal eyes, 

The choice of heaven's treasures. 

Are the true Christian's prize. 

The pure in heart shall heaven see, 

A crown of glory win ; 

Be opened wide ye celestial gates. 

And let the ransomed in. 

When thou makest up thy jewels, 
And when from sin set free. 
May there be reserved a portion, 
For a sinner such as me. 



200 THE STORMS OF TIME. 

Lo, here comes the ransomed many, 
Who did the battle win ; 
Be opened wide ye celestial gates, 
Admit the victors in. 



THE STORMS OF TIME. 
When the raging storms hover 
Over the sea and land, 
When the blackness of the tempest 
Is seen on every hand, 
W!ien lashed by wind and storms. 
Our ship about to break, 
Lay fast hold on Hope, the anchor; 
Thank God and courage take. 

When the mighty, surging billows, 
Over our ship are lashed, 
And drifting upon the quick-sands, 
Her ribs to pieces smashed, 
Then, in this great commotion. 
Our life and soul at stake. 
Put faith in the great Captain ; 
Thank God and courage take. 

When our tender barque is broken, 
Our hopes within us fail, 
Lord, save us or we perish 
Through the fierceness of the gale. 
Then standing at the post of duty. 
On, for the mainland make ; 
In the sheltered port there's safety; 
Thank God and courasre take. 



'THE NEW JERUSALEM." 



May we as followers of Jesus, 
The Gospel in our hands, 
See that it be safely carried 
To earth's remotest lands. 

Chorus. — Then with that glorious company 



THE DEATH OF MOSES. 201 

That taught the truth to men, 

w 
Of the new Jerusalem. 



Shall we walk on the golden streets 



May the living, glorious Gospel 
Over the world be spread 
Till on earth's remotest nation 
The light of Life be shed. 

Chorus. — Then with that glorious company- 
May we follow their examples 
And imitate their faith 
Devotion, love and charity 
And persevere to death. 

Chorus. — Then with that glorious company- 
Forever from earth be banished, 
Old superstition's veil ; 
For true faith and life eternal, 
Will soon o'er earth prevail. 

Chorus. — Then with that glorious company- 
Then ever-blessed dear Redeemer, 
Just take me as I am ; 
Make me worthy of admission. 
To the supper of the Lamb. 

Chorus. — Then with that glorious company- 

That taught the truth to men, 
Shall we walk on the golden streets 
Of the new Jerusalem. 



THE DEATH OF MOSES. 



The reproach of Christ, esteeming 
Far greater riches, he 
Chose to suffer for a season ; — 
Led his hosts across the sea. 



202 THE DEATH OF MOSES. 

Typical of that heavenly Jordan 
Which must some day be crossed ; 
So in God's own gracious season, 
Will cross His chosen host. 

On God's own appointed mountain, 

His chosen leader stands; 

He view^s the land of promise, 

Beyond old Jordan's strands. 

Altho' one hundred and twenty years, 

Had now passed over him, 

His natural strength had not abated. 

Nor had his eyes grown dim. 

On Pisgah's bold, lofty summit, 
There appeared unto his view, 
The delightful plains of Jericho, 
And Lebanon's cedars, too. 
Then, he beheld the promised land 
Across the Jordan's wave; 
Jehovah, with His own right hand. 
Prepared for him a grave. 

Bright seraphims in waiting. 

His spirit did convey 

To the bright and heavenly Canaan, 

The land of endless day. 

Thus passed one of God's great warriors, 

With epitaph unpenned : 

Thy graven law imperishable, 

Must to ages all descend. 

Oh, beautiful vale of Moab ! 

Oh', sad, neglected spot: 

Down through the drift of centuries, 

Thy name is not forgot. 

While marching to the land of promise, 

Our christian toils recount. 

May we be at last permitted. 

A view on Pisgah's mount. 

Thus died the most illustrous man, 
The world did ever bless ; 
God's chosen people led victorious, 
Thro' the drear wilderness. 



"THE DAY OF GRACE." 203 

Oh, consecrated vale of Moab ! 
Long as her flowers bloom, 
Shall angel guards the place protect. 
Of this most hallowed tomb. 



'THE DAY OF GRACE. 



Wherefore have ye wandered from Him 

Where is now your faith? 

You are on the road that leadeth 

Down to the gates of death. 

Jesus invites you to return, 

And seek the throne of grace; 

Or your candle-stick will be removed, 

Out of its former place. 

Except you shall repent of sins. 
And anew your life begin, 
You shall be abandoned by Him 
In the mire and death of sin ; 
And the gracious loving spirit, 
That doth with sinners plead. 
Shall take its sudden departure, 
In time of greatest need. 

Must ye iiear the voice of warning 

And yet reject the sound? 

You are fast hastening to the place 

Where repentance is not found. 

*T knoAv thy works, thou hast a name,'' 

Tho' livest and art dead ; 

Thy day of grace fast hastening — 

Perhaps, it now has fled. 

Thy woe and tribulation 
Ma}^ not be far from sight; 
And may come upon yon sudden, 
As the silent thief at night. - ' ■■■'■ 
Thou may est reject the spirit, • • 
With his wooings kind ahdifree; 
But there comes a day of judgment, 
From which thou canst 'h6t flee:. 



204 GROSSING THE STREAM. 

But the Lord is long in suffering 

Not willing- any die, 

But that all should come unto Him, 

And join the church on high. 

"Him that overcometh will I make a pillar 

In the temple of my God," 

Where are higher glories promised, 

And His love is shed abroad. 

Be this our prayer : — our names be written 

By recording angel's pen, 

How that by faith we OA^ercame, 

The ransomed among men. 

We all earth's foes shall overcome, 

With all their raging powers ; 

Then as the Christian conqueror, 

The triumph shall be ours. 

Then flee hence from devastation, 
From earth's frightful dread alarms ; 
For the Savior standeth waiting 
To' receive you in His arms.. 
May we accept that great salvation, 
Abundant, full and free, 
Hallelujah ! we shall triumph, 
And more than conquerors be. 



CROSSING THE STREAM, 



Tn life they were not separated, and in death they were not 
divided." 

They had traveled fifty years together 

Thro' life's devious winding ways ; 

They braved the storms of frost and weather, 

In dark or halcyon days, 

The burdens of age had grown upon them ; 

Theirs hadi been many trials ; 

But they conquered life's temptations, 

By abstemious denials. 



CROSSING THE STREAM. 205 

But her guardian angel whispered : 

'Twas about the hour of eve, 

"Mother, your days on earth are numbered, 

Now, take your farewell leave." 

Anon, the morning clouds had broken ; 

"They are calling me," he sighed ; 

The good old man resigned his spirit, 

And in peace and quiet died. 

Thus in life they were united, 
And in deaith they diid not part ; 
The herald from the heavenly world, 
Sent his arrows to each heart. 
Thus they lived and loved together, 
In peace serene they died; 
And the aged reverent sire 
Sleeps by his good wife's side. 

And the ties of true affection. 
By which they were united here. 
Shall continue in new life unbroken. 
When they reach the brighter sphere. 
They like heroes true had conquered ; 
Now, beyond the rolling tide, 
They walk in fields of peace perennial. 
Where true glory doth abide. 

But when the Arch-angel sounds his trumpet 

On the resurrection morn, 

Nations shall come forth to judgment, 

As on the wings of lightning borne. 

Dear old grandfather shall be there, 

A crown above his smiling face ; 

And mother clad in robes of beauty. 

Saved by the power of grace. 

That they have gone from earth to heaven. 

We sincerely humbly trust; 

That their sins are all forgiven. 

And they're living with the just. 

But this sad reflection comes upon us. — 

Lessens earthly pomp and pride, 

That this world seems much the poorer, 

Since the good old couple died. 



206 PENITENTIAL HYMN. 

PENITENTIAL HYMN. 



May God in mercy me forgive, 
For sins and evils done; 
And may J pardon full receive 
Throug-h His eternal son ; 
In whom the pardoned sinner trusts, 
Whose prayers He v^on't despise ; 
He cleanses from all worldly lusts, 
And bids the sinner rise. 

Oh, then His mercy full implore. 
And bid His judgments stay; 
His goodness is forevermore 
To such as walk His way. 
Oh, where shall you and I be found 
In the great judgment hour, 
When assembled nations all around, 
Shall tremble at His power? 

Great judge in mercy spare my soul 

From the destroyer's snare ; 

And make this wounded spirit whole, 

Despising- not my prayer. 

For unto whom in heaven above. 

Or in this earth below 

Can sinful men receive thy love, 

Or where for pardon go.^ 

Great God in mercy me forgive. 
And save this dying soul ; 
And make this wounded spirit live — 
By cleansing make it whole. 
Then in the cross will conquer 
A home beyond the skies, 
Peaceful, blest, ours forever. 
Let hallelujahs rise. 



AVALK NOT PROUDLY. 207 

WALK NOT PROUDLY. 



"Walk not proudly in the land for thou canst not cleave the 
earth. Neither shalt thou equal the mountains in stature." 
— Al. Koran of Mohammed;. Pride goeth before destruc- 
tion and a haughty spirit before a fall." — Bible. 

Let not ambition's flaunting wings 
In vain efforts reach the sky; 
Uncertain are terrestrial things 
When piled up mountain high. 
The world's great monument of folly 
Without limitations bars, 
Was the stupendous pile of Babel 
That sought to pierce the stars. 

Yet in all succeeding ages, 
^Monumental folly rules ; 
And modern South sea Bubbles 
Reign in the heart of fools. 
And "Spanish chateaus" finely built, 
Suspended in upper air, 
As specters in departed visions. 
Have not bases anywhere. 

Wisdom may be known of her children, 
Yet modern sages smile 
At others trying to reform the world, 
In wicked Avays grown vile. 
For men vainly still imagine 
That hoarded wealth will give. 
More than heaven has foreordained, 
A continued lease to live. 

Then why walk proudly in the land, 
"For thou canst not cleave the earth ;" 
Nor rend the mountain summits high. 
Nor give to an atom birth. 
Inglorious creature of a day, 
Clothed in stature small ; 
"Thou canst not equal the mountains high," 
Nor vet their summits tall. 



208 WALK KOT PROUDLY. 

Or why should mortals vainly soar 
To' reach the snow-capped cloud — 
Hidden chambers of the firmament— 
The North winds gauzy shroud? 
Misdiirected vain ambition, 
"In folly's maze advance ;" 
Thou canst not climb the Pleiades, 
Nor learn their mystic dance. 

Pride precedeth certain destruction ; 

The storm, the regal oaks and tall, 

Will wrench and twist and rend in pieces, 

Before their giant forms fall. 

So the spirit untamed and haughty, 

Must ignobly condescend, 

Just as the storm the mighty branches. 

Of the terebinth will bend. 

Misapprehension, wrong ambition. 

Wherefore would you stray 

Into the constellation of Taurus, 

Or explore the "Milky Way?" 

The Infinite mind has placed beyond us, 

Summits which we cannot reach; 

The chrystal mounts that's hyperborean 

With their unexplored beach. 

Pyramids of volumes have been written 

By pen of philosopher or sage, 

Affirming that men daily grow wiser, 

With each succeeding age. 

The alchemist has come and gone, 

Archimedes still speaks ; 

Newton's grand laws of gravitation, 

Order out of chaos makes. 

But whether we speak of mind or matter 
The first great leading cause 
Has firmly fixed, yea, established, 
Boundaries and eternal laws 
That govern with exact precision. 



WALK NOT PROUDLY. 209 

Into the limits of the unfathomable, 
Thou canst no further go 
Than the infinite mind in His'wisdom, 
Hath seen fit to mortals show. , 

Then, why wouldst thou stride the heavens apace. 

Into heaven's arcana soar, 

Or drive a tandem team in chariot race — 

Empyrean realms explore? 

Mount upward, groveling child of earth ; 

O'H. wings of inspiration rise. 

Yet clad in robes of true humility, 

To thy home beyond the skies. 

Notes. — "Mohammed," a religious imposter who arose in the 
in the sixth century. ''Al Koran," the name of the book 
in which he taught his doctrine or religion, now the pre- 
vailing religion of Turkey and other places. "Tower of 
Babel," confusion. Built on the plain of Shinar on the 
banks of the Euphrates. A tower commenced, as is sup- 
posed during the life of Noah, and under the direction of 
Nimrod, 113 years after the deluge. "Pleiades," in astron- 
omy, the seven stars situated in the neck of the constel- 
lation of Taurus. "Milky Way," a broad luminous path, 
or circle in the heavens, supposed to be the light of in- 
numerable fixed stars. "Hyperborean," most northern ; an 
inhabitant of the most northern region of the earth. 
"Chateaux," castles in air; fanciful. Newton's laws of 
gravitation. First, the attraction between bodies is pro- 
portional to the product of their masses. "Archimedes' 
Principle," the weight of a body immersed in water is di- 
minished by an amount equal to the weight of the water 
which it displaces. "Arcana," secrets. 



210 THE SABBATH. 

THE SABBATH. 



''Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy."— Bible. 

"The sunny Sabbath which marked the coming of sprmg, was 
taken advantage of by a multitude of people whom the 
winter has kept away from the parks and flowers."— 
"Pittsburg Times." 

The grand old stern historic Puritans, 

We read their history still. 

How they almost changed the tierce climate, 

Of each New England granite hill. 

Struck the first blow for independence ; 

Made good and wholesome laws, 

For the strict observance of the Sabbath, 

And each noble righteous cause. 

We of this later century thank them 

For having many victories won, 

In the cause of truth and righteousness ; 

For great deeds of valor done. 

If perchance, they were too zealous. 

We must now these faults forgive ; 

For it was an age of stern repression, 

In which they then did live. 

But with all their faults and frailties, 
Let me stand on "Plymouth Rock," 
Rather than on plane of modern sophistry, 
With its learned liberal talk. 
For new school of votaries have risen, 
That would change the Sabbath day 
To O'ue of frivolties and pleasures. 
Taking all its sanctitude away. 

It is now the goddess Flora — not the virgin. 
Who, in her artificial bowers. 
Is the Madonna for the worshippers, 
Whose shrine is banks of flowers. 
And the thousand and one excursions, 
Irreligious bands at play. 
Are fast undermining the sanctity 
Of our once-loved Sabbath day 



THE SABBATH. 211 

The ''Sunday Newspaper" an abomination, 
Shedding its baleful light abroad, 
Whose pages filled with frothy literature, 
That draws the mind away from God. 
''Sunday reading," a vile misnomer ; 
For all the foulness of the week 
Is picturesquely drawn and 'dished up 
In glowing colors — fluent English — 
Would bring blushes to an angel's cheek. 

Break down the bars that guard our Sabbath, 

As we now behold the trend, 

xA.nd mark you, ruin and desolation, 

Shall be the beginning of our end. 

Man may trample on with impunity 

The law; that came from Sinai great ; 

But history repeats itself in nations : 

Behold, we tremble at their fate. 

"The Sabbath day was made for man," 

Not in vain pleasures to abuse ; 

But for the cause of highest civilization, 

And the most benignant use. 

And would we avoid the shoals and breakers 

Of nations past, long since dead, 

"Remember ye to keep my Sabbaths ;" 

Ye shall be kept from visitations dread. 

When Israel was into bondage carried 

By the Almighty's stern command, 

The people wailed with harps upon the willows ; 

The Sabbath reigned in the deserted land. 

Shall we the latest and greatest nation ■ 

Of any age or time or place. 

Be weighed in the balance and found wanting 

Yielding to final rviin and disgrace? 

The prophetic cymbal now hath sounded. 
The sun in the heavens at high noon, 
Proclaims our Sabbath must not be surrendered, 
The christians birthright and his boon. 



212 GOD BLESS THE CHILDKEN. 

This nation of the people, for, and by the people, 
Of acknowledged providential birth, 
Must still remember to keep her Sabbaths, 
And not be blotted from the earth. 



GOD BLESS THE CHILDREN. 



'God bless the dear children. What would our homes be 
without them?" — Talmage. 

There may rich unnumbered blessings 

That deign to condescend. 

Enriching us with earthly treasures. 

That seem to know no end. 

How much more we prize possessions. 

Our transient life endear, 

In the precious gift of children, 

Who come to bless us here. 

''What is home without a mother," 

Or a father help to lend? 

But cold and cheerless is the mansion, 

When no children's voices blend. 

Then what is home without the children 

In their gleesome mirth and joy? 

Their charmed life adds a pleasure : 

God bless our darling boy. 

God from His throne does bless the children, 

For He saith the children dear, 

Are a part of His heavenly kingdom. 

As messengers come here. 

Is there a harp discoursing music 

From the realms of angels bright? 

Is there a more melodious sonnet 

Than the whispered, child's "good-night?" 

Methinks the radiant hosts of heaven, 
With faces wrapt, serene. 
Look down with unbounded pleasure, 
Where are earth's cherubs seen. 



GOD BLESS THE CHILDREN. 21: 

When the "Good'-nig-hts" are repeated, 
Their guardian angels keep 
A vigil over the silent hours, 
That's occupied by sleep. 

What is home without some children? 
An oasis quite sad, 
Bereft of children's merry prattle, 
That makes the heart feel glad. 
What is there to bind affections- 
Love's truest strongest Ijnk, 
Unite, cement the hearts of parents, 
Down even to death's brink? 

We enjoy their childish rompings, 

We love their tender smile; 

For we but have them here as children, 

Only for a little while. 

For the years pass on and crowd them 

With its many grievous cares ; 

Anon, the happy years of childhood, 

Pass by them unawares. 

We almost feel a pang of pity 

For the snug and cozy home 

Where children never tread the carpets, 

And their voices never come. 

Tho' a home be one of royal grandeur, 

Religion, life and grace, 

It's as lone as was Eden's bower. 

Ere the coming of our race. 

God will bless the homes of children, 

Our children ever dear; 

May it be our duty to train them, 

And keep them in His fear. 

We know, if we reach the port of heaven, 

That pure and holy land. 

We shall see multitudes of children. 

Stand nearest God's right hand. 



214 TRIBUTE TO THE FATHERS. 

TRIBUTE TO THE FATHERS— "These Suns Have Set." 



Majestic monarchs of the. earth! 

As some tall steeples high, 

You drew the lightning trom the clouds; 

Your spirits stormed the sky, 

And gathered strength as from each zone, 

Ye trod with angel wings, 

Till heaven's livery seemed your own, 

And earth's sublimer things. 

Great intellectual giants thou 

Of glorious, bright record; 

We at thy shrine of greatness bow. 

And sincerely thank the Lord 

That tho' thy form is humble dust, 

Thou hast a living voice 

To warn us all in whom to trust. 

To worship and rejoice. 

As brilliant meteors thwart the heavens 
Illume the darkened plain. 
These satellites on either side 
Shone brighter in their train. 
And the peoples long benighted, 
Saw the beacon-light afar, 
The splendid heaven-born refulgence, 
Shed by "Bethlehem's star." 

We of the world's later ages 
Rejoice that thou didst live, 
And as earth's pioneers and sages. 
Thy holy lives didst give 
To teach the everlasting truth sublime ; 
We in vaiii look for thy peers, 
Indelibly stamped on niche of time, 
Is the record of thy years. 

Oh, brilliant suns of former days, 
Nought can your luster dim ; 
You, as bright constellation's blaze. 
And reflect the lis-ht of Kim, 



CIJARITY. 216 



Who precepts greatest gave to men, 
Did righteousness restore, 
So that our fallen, sinful earth. 
Might happy be once more. 



CHARITY. 

Above the world's noise and din, 
Its tumult, rage and blighting sin. 
Its guant distress, its portals dark, 
Where human life has scarce a spark 
Of brightness or of cheer, 
Appears fond charit}- and true, 
Its heavenly mission to pursue ; 
The lighted fires of heaven are seen, 
The wretched heart is made serene; 
Heaven to earth's brought near. 

The countless homes of Christendom, 

Which dire want proceedeth from, 

Find here a messenger of love 

Fraught as an angel from above : 

The work of love pursue. 

The Master's work is e'er at hand, 

In freedom's or oppression's land, 

There comes the message from the throne 

To make this work, a work our own ; 

And keep this end in view. 

Above the hills of Bethlehem, 
A star arose — was seen of men ; 
For centuries before, unknown 
Men groped in darkness all alone; 
'Twas then the day-spring from on high 
Revealed a star, unusual, bright, 
That quick dispelled the gloomy night ; 
And charity sat down with men, 
And Hope, once dead, revived again ; 
These children of the sky. 

True charity the world will bless. 
Alleviate and kill distress ; 
Helping a brother who may fall, 
A widow who is deprived of all; 



216 GOD'S CAKE. 

That brotherhood restore 
That makes a heaven of earth below, 
And lessens the burden of human woe 
The greatest good to all impart ; 
To help the sinking, aching heart. 
Can charit}^ do more ? 



GOD'S CARE. 



'T know not when His islands lift 

Their fronded palms in air ; 

I only know I cannot drift 

Beyond His tender care." — Longfellow. 

To Him, who controls in infinite space 
The numberless worlds that haste in their race. 
Under whose pavillion — by whose guiding hand, 
The universe moves, in a circle so grand, 
Be inscribed this theme, an unworthy line, 
Whose works in immensity show Him divine ; 
The myriad worlds celestial, proclaim 
Him their maker and worship His name. 

How then can His creatures, poor beings below 

Read the Infinite Mind or His purposes know? 

It is wise to adore Him, believe in and trust 

The wisdom revealed of Him who is just. 

We perceive all around the goodness of God, 

In the blue upper depths where His foot-steps have trod ; 

In the millions of orbs that whirl in their course 

By coiicentric circles, all-powerful force. 

When the firmament's wonders and glories I see, 
I can't comprehend how His grace has reached me ; 
The wonder of wonders that never shall cease, 
Why He sent to our world His Gospel of peace, 
Of hope, charity, faith, redemption and love, 
From the courts of His spiritual temple above. 
Or w)hy He in great condecension did deign 
To rescue a race by sin that was slain. 



NAAMAN THE LEPER. 217 

His islands may drift with their quick-shifting sands ; 
Continents may sink or develop new lands; 
Nature affrighted, into sadness may turn ; 
Planets appear, or in fierceness may burn ; 
Worlds disappearing thro' realms of space. 
May suddenly tell of the end of their race : 
Proud nations may fall, may quick disappear. 
While nought may be left to remember them here. 

Tho' the heavens in flame, be wrapt as a scroll, 

It shall be well for the sin-pardoned soul, 

That like a phoenix in triumph shall rise 

Its deliverer to meet in the vault of the skies ; 

To know there's a place where the ransomed may come, 

A haven of rest and an enduring home ; 

To know that His grace is unspeakably free, 

And accepting the gift, is sufficient for me. 

To know that God's child with His spirit endued, 
Has the promise that all things work for his good. 
Whether here he remains or in some other spheres. 
The promise is his of unchangeable years. 
This prophecy shall then, be written a truth ; 
As the age of the eagle, renewed is thy youth ; 
No more can He promise to creature or saint. 
He shall run and not weary, walk and not faint. 

The mysteries around us we cannot explain ; 
In the light of the future, they shall be made plain. 
In the day when the fulness of grace shall unfold, 
Our millennium will dawn, no more to grow old. 
When the arch-angel's summons to nations around, 
Shall awaken the dead by the force of his sound, 
We know with the blest our portion shall be, 
Giving glory to God that He saved you and me. 



NAAMAN THE LEPER— 2d Kings: 5-10. 



'Go and wash in Jordan seven times." 

Naaman, the captain of the Assyrian hosts 
Came with a well-laden train, 
A retinue splendid, bearing presents, 
Into Israel's domain. 



218 NAAMAN THE LEPER. 

He was in war a valiant leader, 
But he had afflicted been: 
A leper and doomed' to certain death ; 
He sought to be made clean. 

Drove up Naaman in his chariot, 

And standing a moment before, 

With cortege proud, imposing mien. 

The Prophet Elisha's door, 

He expected the prophet to greet him. 

Before the healing began; 

That he would invoke the name of his God, 

And heal by the stroke of his hand. 

The prophet, however, did not appear; 
His servant this message gave : 
"Go wash in the Jordan seven times," 
Be healed by the Jordan's wave. 
"Are not Abana and Pharpar," he said, 
Damascus rivers that be, 
Better than all of Israel's streams 
That find their way to the sea? 

"May I not wash in them and be clean?" 

Such thoughts aid his mind engage ; 

The prophet's advice was quickly spurned — 

He turned away in a rage. 

His attendants soothed his anger, 

On his mind an impress made : 

"Go wash in the Jordan seven times," 

And do as the prophet bade. 

The haughty courtier plunged, immersed. 
Lo, his leprosy was gone. 
He declared his faith in Jehovah, 
As the cleansing God alone. 
Thus was the arrogant leper healed ; 
He Jehovah's power had seen ; 
His leprosy had all disappeared ; 
I He now stood renewed and clean. 

The haughty sinner won't condescend, 

The Gospel truths to obey ; 

If he submits to be saved at all. 

He has mapped out his way. 



SURVEY OF CREATION. 219 

The imperious monarch down must bow ; 
His titles and wealth are vain ; 
He must wash in Jordan's healing fount, 
To remove the leper's stain. 

'Are not Abana and Pharpar," he said, 
Damascus rivers that be, 
Better than any of Israel's streams 
That rapidly find the sea? 
Repentant sinner, humbly come 
To the healing fount for sin. 
The prophet cries, ''plunge in Jordan's wave," 
And thou shalt be wholly clean. 



SURVEY OF CREATION. 



Can we the creation around us survey, 

Be low or exalted the place. 

And not the wisdom, omniscience and power, 

Of an infinite being trace? 

Can we the domain of nature survey, 

And be not struck with awe, 

At the wonders of the author's display. 

As ruled b}^ immutable law? 

Behold our sun as the source of light. 
In his journeyings from afar. 
Bestowing the life-giving heat so bright. 
From the throne of his burning car, 
Let us study our own swift-rolling orb. 
By its millions of beings trod, 
And see the omnipotent steps of Him, 
Who reig-ns as creation's God. 

He makes the grass and verdure to grow 

On the mountain-tops forlorn ; 

On the valleys is seen the overflow 

Of the crops of waving corn. 

He adorns the lilies of the field 

In robes that befit them well ; 

The pomp and grandeur of Solomon's court, 

Their splendor cannot excel. 



220 THE SEVEN CHURCHES. 

He shut up the sea with mighty doors ; 
He this decree hath made : 
"Hitherto shalt thou come and no farther," 
Here shall thy proud waves be stayed. 
Shall we delve into immensity of space, 
Counting wonders one by one? 
Could we do this work a thousand years, 
We would scarcely have begun. 

Revelation and reason teach us. 

At His universal shrine. 

Intelligent mortals must adore Him, 

In the light of His face divine, 

Whose glory fills the realms of space. 

Whose salvation reaches souls ; 

Whose goodness extends o'er the human race 

Whose power all worlds controls. 



THE SEVEllSr CHURCHES— Of Asia Minor. 



In the city where Diana's ancient temple. 
In all its brilliant glory stood. 
With its hewn columns of Parian marble. 
Finest workmanship of wood, 
Was one of the world's greatest wonders ; 
Vast multitudes worshipping there ; 
"Great is Diana of the Ephesians," 
Laid in silver shrines of beauty fair. 

Here the church of Ephesus was planted. 
Which was commanded to return 
To her first love whom she had forsaken, 
Lest her light should cease to burn. 
Great heaps of stones now mark the ruins. 
Where the "Beloved Apostle" trod; 
Times sad ravages and desolations, 
Where once the believer worshipped God. 

The church of Smyrna faithful stood 
While did persecutions frown ; 
To those that held the truth till death, 
Were given an im.mort^l crown. 



THE SEVEN CHURCHES. 221. 

Her candlestick has not been removed, - 
Tho' its light sometimes shone dim; >'■ ' 
Tho'' wrapt in opaque clouds of darkness, ^ 
She still reflects the light of Him. 

The church of Pergamos was recommended 
For holding fast to His word ; 
But those that did the deeds he hated. 
Were to be smitten with the sword. 
Her great library by Anthony was taken ; 
She now reveals a sad decline ; 
The light of her apostolic glory, 
Has now almost ceased to shine. 

In the ancient church of Thyatira, 
Tares amomg the wheat were sown ; 
But those that held to Truth and Charity, 
By the discerning eye was known. 
Unto those who persevered of Thyatira, 
His promise an eternal crown ; ' 

But those that did despise His warning, 
No' repentance since have found. 

In Sardis they had defiled their garments, 

And to that church the spirit said, 

T know thy works that thou hast a name. 

That thou livest and art dead," 

Be faithful and strengthen the things that remain, 

For the time of th}^ naming is brief; . 

In case thou failest before me repent, 

I will come as the midnight thief. 

'Twas here the river Pactolus flowed. 
Whose sands did golden treasures bring, 
When the Monarch Croesus was defeated, 
It was the seat of the Persian King. 
Spoliated by Goths Saracens and Turks, 
It as a mass of ruin stands ; 
Carried captive were its sacred vessels. 
By the invader's wicked hands. 

"I know thy works thou hast kept my word," 
Behold before thee an open door; 
Because thou hast kept the word of ni}^ patience, 
Thou art mv called forevermore. 



222 KUTH AND NAuMi. 

Thou shalt be safe in the hour of temptation, 
Which shall come upon the world, 
When those that reject His precious promises, 
Shall be down to destruction hurled. 

Philadelphia remains still erect, 

A ''column in a scene of ruin stands ;" 

Allah-Shehr, the city of God, 

The beacon light of the lands. 

A name and memorial of His faithfulness, 

Has been left to believers on earth ; 

The promised glories to those that o'ercome, 

Shall be known in their heavenly birth. 

Thy doom is pronounced, O Laodicea, 

And wretched indeed is thy lot ; 

Thou canst never receive His approbation ; 

Thou art neither cold nor hot. 

To them the Apocalypse had been given ; 

The spirit of God had been sent ; 

But their greatest zeal was for the world, 

And they found no time to repent. 

Thus were Asia's seven churches exhorted. 

Each according to its own need ; 

The Faith delivered once to the saints, 

Was their rich heritasfe indeed. 

The Son still walks in the midst of his churches, 

And the light of His spirit divine. 

Surrounds with a halo each humble Christian, 

Consecrating each pilgrim's shrine. 



RUTH AND NAOMI. 

The famine had raged with great severity 

In that portion of the globe, 

When Elim'elech of Bethlehem-Judah, 

Emigrated to the land of Moab. 

Providence seemed unkind to him, 

As in our narrative appears ; 

He died; leaving a widow and two sons, 

After sojourning a few years. 



RUTH AND NAOMI. 223 

The pious Naomi had lost her husband, 

We by inspiration understand, 

Her's was the fate of a desolate widow, 

In that far-off Moabite land. 

Two sons whom she fondly loved had died ; 

She was almost left in despair; 

She proposed to return to her former land, 

And seek out her subsistence there. 

In this land were the two sons happily married ; 

Beset by misfortune's evil tide, 

Their plans in life had all miscarried, 

For in this strangle land they died. 

There were then left three widowed women, 

Who mourned in sadness quite alone ; 

No' husband now to kindly lead them ; 

As for kindred they had none. 

The great theme taught is the power of love ; 

Not love between woman and man. 

Nor the popular theme of the novelist, 

Portrayed as he only can. 

This was a love that brooked all entreaty 

The most unselfish that we find. 

Of a widow lone for her mother-in-law. 

The most exalted of the mind. 

Her hour of parting now had come : - 
Her hand in friendship she extends ; 
"Remain my daughters where plenty is, 
And stay in the house of your friends." 
Orpah tenderly bade her mother good-bye. 
And their parting moment was o'er ; 
She turned back to her home and her gods, 
And we never hear of her more. 

Ruth to her mother-in-law beseechingly said. 
"Entreat me not from following thee ; 

For whither thou goest I will go, 

And whither thou restest, will I be." 
"Thy people shall be kinsmen to mine ; 

From thy God I will not depart ; 

Thy hand in mine shall. go down to death; 

United for life shall be each heart." 



£24 ULTIMA THULE. 

• "And when thou sinkest to the silent grave, 
Thy hour having come to die, 
Then will I lie down wrapt in peace, 
And with thine shall my body lie. 
God is our witness, we cannot part ; 
I will follow thy footsteps on. 
The covenant angel recorded the deed, 
And approved of the action done. 

Thus a great and mighty kingdom arose, 

We in sacred annals afterwards read ; 

For the promised Savior of mankind, 

Came thro' this woman's seed. 

The star of the house, of David shone 

In celestial radiance bright ; 

The slumbering nations were awakened. 

When beholding this heavenly light. 



ULTIMA THULE. Utmost Limit. 



If you go to heaven you'll find some singing 

Who' the golden crown doth wear ; 

Descend to hell, you'll find some wringing 

Their hands in dread despair. 

Would you climb the stairway of the planets, 

Up thro' the circumambient air. 

Perhaps you'd find some wandering mortal, 

Who had found a lodgnient there. 

Would you enter the courts of peace and pardon, 

The glorious sanctorum where 

The redeemed of earth and meet for heaven, 

Are engaged in the solemn act of prayer, 

You will find a group of happy children, 

Who their sweet hallelujahs raise, 

Till their voices blend with the angel chorus. 

In their resounding hymns of praise. 

Would you penetrate great ocean's depths 
Away beneath the briny foam. 
You would find here the bones of m.ortals. 
Who had tangled sea-weed made their home, 



"HEAVEN." 225 

And perchance their stalking spirits 
May in those gloomy depths abide, 
Where the Creator has thought proper, 
His ways from mortals hide. 

Would you enter that borne undiscovered 
Where are the weeping wailing hosts 
Who parade the streets of dread perdition, 
In troops of wandering ghosts, 
Here you will find unhappy immortals 
Who have sinned away their day of grace ; 
Condemned tO' wander in the shades of hades. 
Where no ray of mercy strikes the place. 

Unknown, oblivious to the passing crowd. 
Would you stealthily enter in 
Where the habitues of vice in secret 
Are practicing all forms of sin^ 
Here you would a motley crowd encounter. 
Indulging in a bacchanalain spree, 
Whence they sink to the bottomless pit — 
Nevermore rise in perdition's sea. 

Heaven's marshaled hosts can't save the sinner. 

They will cross the boundary line 

Of pardon, hope and joy's fruition, 

And perish in spite of power divine. 

When you enter heaven you'll find some singing, 

Who rich bridal robes doth wear, 

While in the depths of hades some are wringing 

Their hands in fierce despair. 



'HEAVEN"— Ancient and Modern. 



Homer's heaven was an Elysium 
At earth's terminus ; a plain 
That never knew a sunset, 
When doth Rhadamanthus reign. 

Hessiod's heaven is what he calls 
The islands of the blest ; 
Three times a year are flowers blooming 
Games and music are the best. 



226 REFUGE. 

The Scandinavian's favored heaven 
Was where the god Odin dines 
In the sacred temple of Walhalla 
Dispensing richest wines. 

The Mohammadan's celestial paradise 
Is where Al Sirat bridge is crossed ; 
When they revel in endless sensuality — 
Are in vain pleasures lost. 

The American aborigines looked forward 
To a heavenly hunting ground. 
Where deers and buffalo abounded, 
Persued by the swiftest hound. 

The mythological view of heaven, 
Was the dark Tartarean shore. 
Guarded by the hound Cerberus ; 
The Styx, were the spirits all rowed o'er. 

The blatant infidel and skeptic, 
Has no heaven him to bless ; 
He lives and breathes like the animal. 
Dying, sinks into nothingness. 

But the Christian's new Jerusalem 
Is large and high and deep and broad 
Enough to contain earth's ransomed millions. 
From creation's dawn till day of judgment. 
Who seek the salvation of our God. 



REFUGE. 

"Who have fled for refuge to lay hold on the hope set before 
us." Heb. 6:8. 

Oh, ye who have wandered as sinners abroad. 
Flee from the domains of lewdness and sin ; 
And onward fast press to the kingdom of God, 
That ye, your redemption may win. 
Into the city of refuge, the doors open wide ; 
Friends now anchored safely, your coming await; 
And you are assuredly on the safe side. 
Once you have entered the "Beautiful gate." 



THE ORACLE. 

The ransomed of ages for refuge ha\'e tied, 
Now live in the sanetified fold. 
Arise fro^m your Sodom, the city now dead, 
For that one of pure sapphire and gold, 
And you, the unsaved, I entreat you to flee. 
For the avenger now in a spirit of wrath, 
May as an enemy swift be pursuing thee : 
Death will be yours if found in his path. 

If you are now a lone exile and roam, 

Death eternal may your penalty be. 

Are not the inducements of a safe home, 

Incentives to '^ause you to flee? 

Then haste to this glorified city of peace, 

Whose walls of salvation are grand ; 

Where the songs of redemption never shall cease, 

In this healthful and exquisite land. 

Not for Israel alone, but the gentile too. 
Are its portals wide open thrown. 
Oh, pilgrim, make haste, a place is for you, 
Where no wave of oppression is known. 
Seek refuge, we, to the unrighteous cry: 
Let nothing retard thee in flight. 
Why outside remain and eternally die. 
With the city of refuge in sight? 

Has your life been all wrong, the avenger rs near? 

Go, be washed in a fountain that's clean ; 

For the city of refuge is year after year, 

A retreat from defilement and sin. 

Eternal city of refuge in heaven above, 

The sanctified home of the blest ; 

May we be caught up in the arms of His love. 

And remain as a permanent guest. 



THE ORACLE. 



The oracle further is silent. 
Pray ponder well what you read ; 
A very small truth will be of value, 
If you its teachings only heed. 



228 TEMPEUANCE POEMtS. 

The "Delphian" oracle is silent: 
The oracles of God still show 
We have a divine oracular priest, 
AVho reveals to us all we need to know. 

The prophetic oracle still speaketh ; 
Revelation still doth bring 
Answers to our souls inquiries, 
From the throne and palace of the king. 
The orb of revelation ne'er shone clearer 
Than in our twentieth century day; 
The way faring man tho' a fool 
Cannot err upon the king's highway. 



TEMPERANCE POEMS. 



"Touch not, taste not, handle not." 
''Abstain from all appearance of evil." 

New Testament. 
''Oh, that men will put into their mouths 
What steals away their brain." — Shakespeare. 

The war's upon us. 
"Delenda est Carthago." Carthage must be destroyed, 

The war's upon us — let it come; 
Pulverize the power of rum ; 
Break the power that fain would bind, . 
With chains and fetters all mankind. 

Bow not to rum the suppliant knee ; 
Maintain your right — you're born free ; 
Sell not your body or your souls 
To sneaking, prowling human ghouls. 

Shall a hundred thousand ropers stand 
Dealing out death throughout the land? 
Adding fumes to the fire of hell — 
Leaving woe where peace should dwell. 

Shall widow's sighs and orphan's tears 
With burning pangs and pains and fears, 
To humble peaceful dwellings come? 
Must all be sacrified to rum? 



A EUINED LIFE 229 



Shall that fond father's darling boy, 
His mother's hope and future joy 
Be led a captive — die a slave 
And fill a drunkard's wretched eravt 



Shall that dear mother filled with grief. 
Seek the grave to find relief, 
And want and woe their sorrows trace 
Where happiness should find a place? 

Shall that poor creature, suffering wife, 
Be made tO' eat the dregs of life — 
Lack every bliss that makes a home, 
To prop and feed the power of rum ? 

Shall those poor chidren, pale and gaunt. 
Clad in rags and trained to want, 
Be miade to feel the curse of rum? 
Strike these devil's workers dumb ! 

Destroyed must be this Hydra head 
That desolation round hath spread : 
Forever slain must be the foe, 
Whose vials pour out wrath and woe. 

Arouse, ye freemen, in your might ! 
Strike for God and win the fight; 
May O Lord thy kingdom come ; 
Pulverize the power of rum ! 



A RUINED LIFE^An Imitation. 



I stood at eve as the sun sank down 
By a grave where a brother lies. 
Whose life was bright as the lilies white; 
And heaven's azure shone in his eyes ; 
But he gave away to the siren's song ; 
He fell from ambition's height, 
For the gilded saloons led him along, 
And he fell in his manhood bright. 



230 A RUINED LIFE. 

Yet a lesson we fain would learn to-day 

From the garden above his dust. 

How the good and the strong can be led away, 

As well as the wise and just. 

By the tempter's art and the sparkling wine, 

This youthful and manly breast. 

In whose soul was the instinct of manhood fine, 

Was consigned to his grave to rest. 

In the spring-time fair when the meadows were 

Aglow with carnations red, 

Our generous hero, youthful and fair, 

To his inamorata was wed, 

The two started out in the battle of life. 

But drinks overshadowing blight, 

Soon clouded the prospects of man and wife, 

And their hopes sank down in night. 

Ere many years had passed them by, 

Instead of a happy wedded life, 

Rumors through the air began to fly, 

That spoke of the drunkard's wife : 

Of her wretched lot, her forsaken boy. 

Of a man who in manhood fell, 

Who neglected to make his home his joy, — 

Who' sank down from heaven to hell. 

A useful lesson we may learn to-day, 
Ere the hope of our life be passed ; 
That millions are falling the self-same way, 
And are dying drunkards at last. 
An important lesson w^e learn to-day. 
From the garden above his dust : 
Abstain, abstain from the cup that may 
Render your life and being cursed. 

God pity the poor inebriate ! 
Save him from a life of shame — 
His inexorable and cruel fate. 
And heaven will bless your name. 
Touch not taste not, nor handle the thing, 
I entreat you with living voice ; 
In heaven's name and the joys it mav bring, 
To-day make the proper choice. 
Note. — 'Tnamorata," a lady lover. 



CAUSE OF Bad times. 231 

CAUSE OF BAD TIMES. 



I never saw the times so hard, 
Prices ranging cheap or dear, 
But men to make their spirits glad, 
Have ''soaked" their heads in beer. 
They then to tone their appetites. 
Pour the poisoned "spirits" down; . 
Till hoopsey-doodle, flipity-flop, 
They anchor on the ground. 

I have never seen the times so hard. 
But men would march in line 
Without a circumspect regard. 
And gulp diluted wine. 
Poor, besotted reveling mortals, 
They to Bacchus all resign ; 
Till hoopsey-doodle flipity-flop, 
They look like human swine ! 

None ever saw the times so' hard. 
But men could take a spree, 
Without showing the least regard 
If they were out at the knee. 
It matters little if children cry. 
Or mothers beg for bread : 
There hoopsey-doodle flipity-flop, 
The pavement strikes his head ! 

I never saw the times so hard, 

The weather wet or dry, 

But men will find some good excuse 

Toi soak themselves in "rye." 

Thus the evil spirit of the "still" — 

Juice of the fiery bug. 

Ah, hoopsey-doodle flipity-flop, 

Its victim's grave hath dug! 

I never- saw the times so hard. 
But better might have been. 

Would rnen not burn their soul-case out. 
By filling up with gin. 



232 THE WINE GOBLET. 

While there are millions spent for drink, 
There are thousands spent for bread ; 
Till hoopsey-doodle flipity-flop 
The drunkard's badly bled ! 

I never saw the times so hard 
In times of strike of peace, 
But true prosperity is marred 
When drinking does increase. 
I warn you every mother's son, 
Don't spend your life in vain. 
Till hoopsey-doodle flipity-flop 
You are among the slain. 

I never knew the times so hard, 
The prices high or low, 
But men will fill their waist-coats with 
An unrelenting foe. 
Strike down this evil in our land ; 
Let temperance reign once more, 
Till ours shall be a m.odel nation, 
To Columbia's furthest shore. 



THE WINE GOBLET. 



"Come send round the wine and leave points of belief to simpl 
ton sages and reasoning fools." — Moore. 

Moore has sung us a song in praise of the wine, 
As he boastingly, gleefully laughs ; 
Filling the sparkling goblet to the brim, 
Like men of less note, mockingly quafifs. 
But strangely omitting the sequel to tell, 
Of the end of the drunken spree ; 
Of the pain-racked head and beclouded brains, 
Of the midnight worthless debauchee. 

He'also omits to truthfully tell 

Of the serpents that lurk in the bowl. 

Whose fangs are fastened into the brain. 

Whose fire kindled consumes the soul. 

Come ye topers, leave the board laden with wine, 

And leaving out points of belief. 

For what little reason you now possess. 

Shall depart from your brain as a thief. 



THE EICH SALOONIST. 233 

Of "simpleton sages," the author doth speak; 
The mocker makes it a rule to scoff ;^ 
But it is wiser to act like sober men, 
Than hogs drinking swill in the trough. 
The man who avoids this blasting curse, 
Can afford to let scoffers sneer ; 
And all the hosts on the devil's side, 
However much they miay crow and cheer. 

In condemnation of "reasoning fools," 

The author wbuld tauntingly write. 

Glossing o'er the demons of wine-bred Bacchus, 

That are born in the wine at night. 

Be a man or a woman and dare to refuse ; 

Take warning by thousands that fell ; 

For a ruined life gives no compensation, 

Exchange not your heaven for hell. 



THE RICH SALOONIST. 



Clad in broad-cloth and fine linen, 
With an overflowing till, 
While no want nor destitution, 
Can this splendid homestead fill, 
This lordly creature of "high license' 
Treads in fine furnished halls ; 
And exulting views with pleasure, 
The rich pictures on his walls. 

His neighbor just across the alley, 
A poor woman lacks her bread ; 
Oft, during night's silent watches. 
She wishes that she was dead. 

The man who vowed to support her. 
To always be her stay, 
To this man's capacious barroom, 
At nights will wend his way. 

Hear strains of voluptuous music. 
Softly floating in the air; 
See that wife with jeweled fingers. 
Her children looking fair ; 



234 WHAT A GA]>LON OF WHISKEY DID. 

But not many squares away, 
Sits a mother bent with griei ; 
On her face there broods a sorrow, 
For which there is no relief. 

Dread valley of the Upas tree. 

Filled with dead men's bones ; 

But worse this school of vice and crime, 

The worst of any age or time ; 

Oh, hear creation's groans, 

How long shall this death-dealing blight, 

Kill the fairest of our race. 

Men's blessings all exterminate. 

Leaving the finale or disgrace? 



WHAT A GALLON OF WHISKEY DID. 



Let us see what a gallon of whiskey did: 
Ofif the mouth of hell it opened the lid ; 
It made a peaceful man insane, 
Poisoned his heart, maddened his brain. 
And did as readily will be seen, 
Transformed a man into a fiend ; 
It destroyed the peace of home and life; 
And ruined the happiness of a wife; 
And homeless children now can tell. 
Of this remorseless fiend of hell. 

It led him to do^ as many before. 
To take an axe and break down the door; 
The imprisoned wife away to keep. 
Thro' the window takes a fearful leap ; 
She alights on the ground in dismal dread. 
And picks herself up in a manner dead. 
The poor old grandmother nigh four-score, 
Is knocked by him, down on the filthy floor; 
A cut from a glass is seen near her crown, 
From which the blood came trickling down. 

This wretched creature, insane and wild. 
Attempts the life of his wife and child ; 
The children cry in awful despair, 
Their own and their mother's life to spare, 
Would that we could cover this scene of shame 



THE DEADLY ENEMY 235 

The lamp was upset, the house took flame ; 
By some miraculous power, no doubt, 
The flames were extinguished and put out. 
Yet this is a business that Christian men, 
Uphold with their vote, and tongue and pen. 

A family ruined and left to bear 

The sting of disgrace, instead of care; 

Behind prison bars now shivering stands, 

The wretch of a man with blood on his hands, 

With a soul polluted, cursed from on high, 

Too wretched to live, too' wicked to die. 

No repentance is his; cup full of sin; 

No' religion without when hell is within. 

A picture like this we fain would hide ; 

But this demon of drink shows the darker side, 

Note. — This incident is literally true. 



THE DEIADLY EINEMY. 



That this an enlightened Christian nation, 

Is by all countries understood ; 

But the greater part of modern Christians, 

Labors not for its highest good. 

Chris<tians united' should work together, 

0£ whatever name or creed ; 

What we most need now are moral heroes, 

Not alone in prayer, but deed. 

Moralitv, religion and education. 
Are the main pillars of a state; 
Lacking these no veneer of civilization. 
Can be considered truly great. 
How shall we dare support a traffic 
That law and order both assails, 
And the people go in rags and mourning. 
Where the accursed trade prevails? 

Drink is a deadly foe to character. 
And good citizenship betrays ; 
With depletion leaves the pocketbook; 
The treasury, turns to uses base. 



236 THE DEADLY ENEMY. 

We have no use for the debauchee, 
Who is the churches greatest foe ; 
Into no well-regulated home of ours, 
Can vile drink with safety go. 

It attacks the progress of the world; 
Defies the teachings taught at school ; 
It has no defensible right to exist, 
Nor in any society rule. 
We cannot trust administration of laws 
To a clique in a liquor dealer's den, 
Who would respect nc human statute. 
Designed to save the souls of men. 

No law ever made can control it ; 
It ever bears unrighteous fruit ; 
It is under God our solemn duty, 
This degraded monster to uproot. 
Loyalty to Christ and tO' His church, 
Should our every act constrain ; 
A victory for total prohibition. 
Would be an everlasting gain. 

The home, state and church are confronted. 

With this enemy of their peace ; 

True prosperity cannot dwell with us, 

Until this wanton crime shall cease, 

The liquor traffic is the enemy unrelenting 

Of righteousness in the home ; 

God will bless the house as well as the nation, 

Into which it is not permitted to come. 

We must labor with our votes and voices. 
To confine this hydra in his den; 
Then shall we have cause for exultation, 
In thus aiding our fellow men. 
Dread war and plague and pestilence ; 
Have slain thousands by the score ; 
But the liquor demon worse than all, 
Has slain its millions more. 



THE MAIDEN'S EESOLUTION. 237 

THE MAIDEN'S RESOLUTION. 



I will not marry, the maiden said 

A gentleman great or small, 

Who takes his whiskey crooked or straight, 

Or indulges in any at all. 

Why should I risk my happiness 

With such a thing as he, 

Or throw away the chance of a life. 

And in endless trouble be? 

I want a man that supports his family 
All other persons before, 
Not a man that patronizes the "bar," 
Letting the wolf come in at the door, 
A laboring man must work for his wages, 
He therefore has none to spend. 
In reveling and debauchery. 
Which has an ignoble end. 

I cannot think of wedding a man, 

Who a little drinks on the sly ; 

For a habit will grow upon what it feeds. 

Till the drunkard's seen by and by. 

It is much better to be alone, 

Even a Tom cat to caress, 

Than to have a family gaunt and poor, 

That knows nothing but distress. 

The toils of life are many indeed, 

And hard enough to be borne, 

Without adding some needless misery. 

To make the household forlorn ; 

Of a man who has greater love for a jug — 

Sees more joy in the flowing bowl. 

Than he does in the happiness of his home, 

I despise the worthless soul. 

We only have one short life to live — 
Make out of it most we can ; 
But the ideal man whom I shall wed, 
Must be a temperate man. 



238 COLD WATER SONG. 

Life's anxieties are full many 
In the good well-ordered ho'me; 
But the detestable curse of rum, 
Into mine shall never come. 

I wish the womicn could get the vote, 

Their giant power to show ; 

Soon rum would be banished from the land, 

In a, terrible overthrow. 

'Tis women that always suffer most. 

By its pestilential breath; 

Then give us the ballot in our hand ; 

We will vote it down to death. 

The home is a sacred institution. 

The maiden laughingly said ; 

A man of worth and sterling character, 

Is the one whom I shall wed. 

I would rather live in an island alone 

Until my dying day, 

Than be joined to a drunken husband, and 

Have my happiness taken away. 



COLD WATER SONG. 



Let us drink from the rock 
Whence the pure currents flow. 
Given by the Father 
To His children below. 

Drink the pure limpid stream 
That is health to the soul, 
That contains not the poison 
Of the liquor-dealer's bowl. 

Come drink of the fountain 
Which our God 'did design 
For the health of His children — 
And for your good and mine. 

Chorus. — Drink the pure limpid stream — 



COLD WATER SONG. 239 

Is there a drink more precious 
In heaven, earth or air, 
To relieve the thirst of mortals — 
This beverage than fair. 

Chorus. — Drink the pure limpid stream — 

This earth would be more cheerful 
No spirits more be sad, 
If men would drink from the streams 
Whereby they are made glad. 

Chorus. — Drink the pure limpid stream — 

Shall we pollute our bodies 
With a drink that brings woe? 
Let this be our ready answer — 
A thousand times, No, No. 

Chorus. — Drink the pure limpid stream — 

We'll engage in the warfare, 
Forward as true soldiers go ; 
Our ranks will never falter. 
Till the enemy is low, 

Chorus. — Drink the pure limpid stream — 

In the name of our God 
Shall we put our solemn trust ; 
We shall ne'er let our banner 
To be trampled in the dust. 

Chorus. — Drink the pure limpid stream — 



"Let us drink of the Rock 
That is higher than I," 
For its clear stream celestial 
All our wants will supply. 

Chorus. — Drink the pure limpid stream — 



240 THE GLASS. 

THE GLASS. 



There can be no evil in a glass, 

If you let the glass alone; 

Or pour its contents upon the floor, 

Or break it upon a stone. 

But the moment your body it enters, 

Is stowed you safely within. 

The devil in you is fully aroused — 

Henceforth will your trouble begin. 

The only way to be truly safe ; 

Take this infallible guide; 

Keep liquor a safe distance from you, 

And always on your outside. 

You can if you will, live a sober man ; 

In temperance take just pride; 

Peace and plenty will crown your days. 

And a thousand gifts beside. 

The warning has been given ; the case has been tried ; the er- 
diet rendered : 

"No drunkard shall inherit the kingdom of God." 



Patriotic and Sentimental Poems 



OUR NATIONAL BIRD 243 

OUR NATIONAL BIRD, 



With all reverence for the fathers, 

They certainly did make, 

Adopting the eagle as our national bird, 

A very grave mistake. 

What though he cleaves the upper air, 

Symbol of ancient Rome, 

He is in no sense a useful bird. 

Nor fit for any home. 

The symbol of ancient tyranny, 

The Roman legions bore 

Him on their shields and banners, 

In battles great of yore. 

He is in no sense the bird of freedom ; 

His nature is to seek, 

Just as the ancient Romans did. 

The capture of the v^eak. 

W^hat tho' he sails above the clouds 

On Chimborazo's brow. 

His piercing eye beholds his victims. 

On the sunny slopes below ; 

Yet he remains the domineering tyrant 

And never can he be 

The harbinger of civilization. 

The emblem of the free. 

Why not accept the sturdy goose, 
Who'se feathers clean and white, 
Make beds the richest for mankind, 
Or treaties grand indite. 
Although aquatic birds they are. 
Some powers they possess ; 
Their warning saved the city of Rome 
From capture and distress. 

Let us introduce an American bird, 
Of usefulness quite great; 
That never needs to be naturalized, 
By any judge or state. 



244 ANNIVERSARY POEM FOR G. A. R. 

He has patriotism and conceit, 
Courage to carry him through; 
To make him our national bird, 
Would be the proper thing to do. 

When called upon to capitulate, 

He does for his country's good; 

He never utters a word of complaint 

When served as a dish of food. 

Americans all admire this bird ; 

Whether strutting around 

In the pride of his strength, or captive, 

His equal cannot be found. 

Then dov^ai with your lordly eagle. 

This villain of high estate ; 

Born and bred to loot and plunder, 

Let no man call him great. 

His fame belongs to a barbarous age 

Whose horrors greet you still ; 

Kings reigned supreme by right divine. 

Or despots ruled by will. 

Hurrah for this native American ! 

Let him our emblem be ; 

Down with irresponsible tyrants. 

Who lord o'er land and sea. 

Then wipe him off our "coat of arms," 

Misno'mer of the free ; 

Henceforth let this patriotic turkey. 

On our escutcheons be. 



ANNIVERSARY POEM FOR G. A. R. 



Written May 30, 1892. 

Roll back the billowy tide of time ; 

Glance back to other years ; 

And read what noble deeds sublime. 

Have left their stamp on sands of time; 

Historic volume now appears. 

As moist with blood and stained with tears. 



ANNIVERSARY POEM FOR G. A. R. 245 

Our land was free — oh, no indeed : 

The shackles held the slaves ; 

Vile treason and rebellion planned 

To destroy God's fairest land ; 

To-day we deck the graves 

Of those who sleep beneath the sod, 

Who fought for freedom, home and God. 

Ye countless thousands cold and pale ! 
Shall we forget you now, 
Who stood the showers of leaden hail, 
Who never thought to flinch Or quail? 
Peace rest on the victor's brow : 
And floral tributes deck thy breast ; 
In mother earth sweet be thy rest. 

Ye harbor no revenge for fallen foe 

Who fought on the other side ; 

But our nation — "One and indivisible," 

Be it ours to defend it still. 

With mingled feeiuigs of joy and pride. 

We admire the structure our forefathers planned, 

And swear to heaven that it must stand. 

Freedomi thanks you, noble veterans ; 

Serene your looks to-day ; 

But the raven locks of years ago 

Which round your brow did loosely flow. 

Father Time has changed to gray. 

May lastins^ peace and joy combine 

To render happy the years that yet are thine. 

Soon you will be resting with the fathers ; 

Each year are your numbers less ; 

But your acts of valor are recorded ; 

Children do your deeds confess, 

And unborn millions will you bless. 

In a patriotic people's heart. 

Your name or fame cannot depart. 

When in the halls of home you're gathered. 

Your children yet shall tell. 

How their fathers fought and conquered, 



24() MEMORIAL ODE TO G. A. R. 

For the land they loved so well. 
Shall we now forget their praise to swell? 
And when each comrade's on his bier 
Step up and shed the silent tear. 

Then in that grand re-union, 

When friend and foe shall meet, 

Be it yours to march together, 

And parade the golden street : 

The music shall be exceeding sweet, 

Friend and foe shall clasp each other's hand. 

And forget their quarrels in the better land. 



MEMORIAL ODE TO G. A. R. 



When the rude blast of war sent out its alarms, 
' The ranks of your columns quickly arose ; 
You donned the blue suit and shouldered your arms, 
And stood like a wall in front of your foes. 
For the fame you have earned and the 4eeds you have done. 
Shall be kept in remembrance by each loyal son; 
And freemen shall guard what valor has won. 

When the flag of our nation was tramped down low, 
And the order was given to arms, 

You shouldered your muskets and marched on the foe, 
From your stores, your workshops and farms. 
Chorus : — For the fame you have earned — 

In many a hard-fought battlefield, 
Ye stood like a phalanx strong; 
Indomitable courage that would not yield, 
Was yours in a conflict raging long. 

Chorus : — For the fame you have earned — 

Ye marched forth in the morning of your life, 
Facing the cannon's desolating roar; 
You bade good-bye to your children and your wife. 
Ne'er expecting on earth to see them any more. 
Chorus: — For the fame vou have earned — 



BLAINE. Ii47 

Down forever was crushed secessioi;! and treason 
On Columbia's fair but blood-stained shore ; 
Re-united we stand a prosperous nation, 
"One and indivisible," now and evermore. 
Chorus : — P^or the fame you have earned — 

Kind heaven in mercy has lengthened out your years ; 
Your comrades lie beneath sod that is green ; 
We thank you for your sufferings, your scars and your tears 
And a nation redeemed that has been. 

Chorus : — For the fame you have earned — ' 

Pour out the libation of grateful remembrance, 
An incense pure that comes from the heart, 
Upon our boys in blue who never knew dishonor ; 
On fields of battle performed well their part. 
Chorus : — For the fame you have earned — 

When you lie down in a patriot's grave, 
Your name shall be enrolled with the just ; 
For a grateful nation your valor did save, 
Shall guard the mound that encircles your dust. 
Chorus : — For the fame vou have earned — 



BLAINE. 



The Elminent Statesman and Patriot. 

What now can we say that will shed 

An iota of luster or fame, 

On the brilliant statesman now dead, 

Whom our nation doth proudly claim. 

A bright star from the zenith has set, 

From the constellation of men ; 

But its radiance illumes the horizon yet,, 

And the nation dons mourning again. 

A sturdy American, hnoest and true, 
With the greatest on earth he vied ; 
For the country's weal, and her industies too. 
He labored with zealous pride. 



248 LINCOLN. 

But alas, from the crest of the surging wave, 
From the temple of high renown, 
We lower him down to the depths of the grave ; 
No more 'mong the living is found. 

In grateful recognition to-day 
Of the diplomat sublime. 
Let the starry flag half-masted sway, 
And emblazeoned the book of time. 
He, honored, loved and cherished. 
As the noblest of his age, 
Reigns in the hearts of millions. 
And shines on history's page. 

Farewell to the statesman and patriot 

Whomi our nation calls its own ; 

Whose welfare was his leading thought 

Its honor, his wish alone. 

So long as the Anglo-Saxon race 

On this continent shall remain. 

On each true American's heart is written, 

The memory of Blaine. 

EPITAPH. 

''Terra tegit, Coelum tenet, Olympus habet," 
We shall not see his like again ; 
Earth has his shining bright example ; 
Heaven holds the immortal spirit 
Of the sterling patriot Blaine. 



LINCOLN. 

The mighty gods in consultation 
Above the blue empyrean sky, 
Resolved to do a deed immortal. 
That would perish not nor die. 
King Zeus offered a suggestion. 
As the vast assembly met ; 
And the kindled fires of heaven 
Gleamed on each shining coronet. 




ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 

iiorii February 12, 1809; died April 15, ISGo. 



LINCOLN. 249 

"The act we will do," cried King Zeus 
With a scepter in his hand 
"Will be to mold a human being 
Whom we shall call a man." 
Then coelum's vast laboratory 
Was brought into full play; 
At length there appeared an image, 
Of the finest, choicest clay. 

Then breathed the fire of heaven upon him, 

This child of royal birth ; 

But said King Zeus, "we will make him 

To descend upon the earth." 

Wrapt in bright celestial livery, 

On Zeus' bolt of flame. 

From regions of empyrean splendor. 

Swift to the earth he came. 

But said he, "I must divest myself 

Of this garment of the gods ; 

For my mission here is to struggle, 

'Gainst great and bitter odds." 
"I shall do the right as I know the right ; 

In humility I will tread; 

I shall recompense good for evil." 
"That is right," King Zeus said. 

At the command of lyrical Apollo, 

The muses sang again : 
"Lincoln shall command a mighty army. 

And be honored among men." 
"He'll rend the shackles and give freedom; 

Sweet liberty proclaim 

To the children held in bondage, 

Of whatever race or name." 

Then Zeus ordered Mercury to summon, 
A grand and shining host, 
At which splendid convocation. 
Each responded in a toast : 
"Our glorious child, immortal being, 
Visits now the sons of men; 
Coelum's choicest crown awaits him, 
When he here, returns again." 



250 THE ANGEL OF HOPE. 

Bright Athene had prepared a banquet, 
Which was before King Zeus spread ; 
But Coelum trembled in commotion : 
Their child on earth was dead ! 
Musician Apollo tuned his lyre 
To its most bewitching strain, 
When their messenger Mercury reported, 
That Lincoln was with the gods again. 

^iQ^gg. — ''Zeus," the Greek name for Jupiter, the king of 
the gods. "Athene," the Greek name for Minerva, the 
goddess of wisdom. ''Apollo," the god of archery, poetry 
and music. "Mercury," the messenger of the gods. 
"Coelum," heaven. "Empyrean," heavenly. In the 
mythology of the ancient Greeks and Romans they had 
twelve gods. This piece is allegorical, or figurative. 
Lincoln's epitah :— "Though dead he yet speaketh." 



THE ANGEL OF HOPE. 



When the gates of Paradise were closed, 

The flaming angel was there. 

To guard the way of the tree of life. 

For sinning brought on despair. 

But far athwart the heavens there came, 

A celestial messenger near; 

It is the beautiful Angel of Hope, 

And joy on his wings appear. 

The garden was closed, the birth-right lost. 

In humble visions the tomb, 

Appeared with terror and death and night, 

Instead of undying bloom. 

But weeping and wailing and grief, 

To new-born joys gave place ; 

For the beautiful Angel of Hope. 

Appeared with a smile on his face. 

Although primeval life was lost 
By the dire results of sin. 
Paradise gates are opened again, 
And immortal life we win 



I 



THE ANGEL OF HOPE. 251 

Away in the mystic mazes of ether, 
A radiant being behold ; 
It is the beautiful Angel of Hope, 
Clad in his garments of gold. 

We're raised to the rank of gods once more ! 

True wisdom and knowledge are ours ; 

It is better to pass the portals of death,, 

Than remain in Eden's bowers. 

But lo, the heavens are opened apace ; 

The rainbow of pro'mise is bright ; 

For the beautiful Angel of Hope, 

Is seen on the wings of the night. 

Then bear me on the wings of the morning, 
Above the earth with its tears ; 
Above the world's din of vexations, 
And bathe in this fountain of years. 
Behold at the dim parting of sunset. 
The golden and glimmering ray ; 
It is the beautiful Angel of Hope, 
Seen last on the wings of the day. 

As we look back thro' the conflict of ages. 

Read what forever has gone, ■ 

We see in the incoming epoch, 

More glorious era to dawn. 

A vision prophetic — not strange, 

Appears to hover in sight; 

It is the beautiful Angel of Hppe, 

Dispelling the gloom of the night. 

Be then the promise of Paradise dead. 

What need we to vex or care ; 

For the Angel of Hope with a giant axe, 

Has broken the gates of despair. 

When the sun shall cease forever to shine, 

And the earth shall be no more, 

Then the beautiful Angel of Hope, 

Shall point to the other shore. 

Let us then rejoice, be exceeding glad, 
That such a delightful guest. 
May be ours thro' all the storms of life. 
And anchor us safe to rest. 



252 BAKEFOOT UOY. 

The star of hope keeps bright forever, 
As it doth the firmament tread ; 
Behold the beautiful Angel of Hope, 
With a halo crown on his head. 



BAREFOOT BOY— New Version. 



Yes, I was once a barefoot boy, 
My father who had no employ, 
Had to against his will refuse, 
To buy mie a new pair of shoes. 
I sometimes wished I had no toes, 
For I got them badly nipt and froze. 
Yet, do not call me a hardened case. 
For once a week I washed my face. 

Yes, I was a hardy barefoot boy, 

My father's pride, my mother's joy; 

But when I did some mischief deft. 

She plied the shingle right and left ; 

My clothing being very thin, 

It made me squeal with pain and grin ; 

But memory vividly recalls 

The spanks and kicks and jumps and bawls. 

I used to chase the wasp away ; 
His business end I mind to-day; 
The great big hornet on the tree, 
Sometimes poked his dart at me 
And when he struck me near the eye, 
I got so mad I couldn't cry ; 
But when I got it in on him, 
His chance to sting was very slim. 

Good living I did not despise ; 

I stole my mother's fancy pies; 

Its quite consoling to be smart. 

For working mischief is an art. 

I was an urchin mean, no doubt, 

My teacher ne'er could find me out; 

I learned a little while at school. 

And sometimes broke the teacher's rule. 



THE TEMPLE OF FAME. 253 

Despising books and such, you see, 
Was a true pleasure unto me; 
My intellectual views were keen, 
I was seldom caught at what was mean. 
I was not one of those who lacks 
Sufficient tact to cover his tracks ; 
But when my sister's beau came round, 
He in me a "holy terror" found. 

The apples of Hesperides 

What cared I for fruit like these ; 

The stories of these mean old gods, 

I did despise by heavy odds. 

If I could poach some peaches rare, 

Or luscious melons anywhere, 

My appetite being satisfied, 

It made me feel a touch of pride. 

I was a mo'nrch then you bet ; 
My antics I shall ne'er forget ; 
My daddy thought me awful wise, 
But what cared I for his advice. 
I often used my wits to plan 
Some way to beat the good "old man." 
To have my way I thought it best ; 
Cared not a copper for the rest. 

I'm now a handsome grown-up man ; 
The ladies love me, every one ; 
I would sometimes like to cut a dash, - 
But feel restrained for want of cash ; 
I chew my quid and sit and grin, 
When I reflect what I have been ; 
But what is life when it is run, 
Without such little "spots" of fun? 



THE TEMPLE OF FAME. 



'Unblemished let me live, or die unknown ; 
Oh, grant me an honest fame, or grant me none. 



I was in deep slumber at noon time :— 
A wide and extended plain, 
Peopled with beings without number. 
As a vision passed o'er my brain. 



-Pope. 



254 THE TEMPLE OF FAME. 

Some forward were pressing wildly ; 
Others marched in columns slow ; 
Up the sum'miit to an enchanted castle, 
They all seemed forward to go. 

Of all this marvelous number, 
That away to the castle hied, 
Each carried a bunch of dogmatics ; 
Each having his "pony" tO' ride. 
But on marching nearer the castle, 
The crowd became wondrous small; 
And on the eminence where it stood, 
There scarcely were any at all. 

Vast multitudes fell by the wayside, 

Appearing to sink in the ground ; 

On approaching the spot where they stood, 

They nowhere could be found. 

This beautiful temple built on a summit, 

Surrounded by majestic walls, 

But the plebeian crowd fell far short. 

Of reaching its stately halls. 

Alas, said I with a mournful sigh, 

Beholding the enchanted spot, 

Must greatest of human efforts fail, 

And suddenly come to nought? 

That by some circumstance unforeseen. 

Beyond penetrating ken, 

That by some peculiar destiny, 

Is shaped the fate of men. 

Methought I beheld a secluded spot 
Where an humble child was born, 
In a lowly cabin amidst the wood. 
With surroundings quite forlorn, 
I behold a man in conqueror's bays ; 
Applauding crowds are in view ; 
The goddess carves his name on the wall, 
Being fortune's favorite too 

The race may not always be to the swift. 
Nor the battle to the strong ; 
But he whO' gains a strategic point, 
May win the prize ere long. 



THE DOMESTIC HEAETH. 255 

Why struggle to reach the dangerous apex, 
Not gaining it yield to despair? 
Fame may be an evanescent tiimg, 
That oft vanishes into air. 

Let your true ambition well directed be ; 

Care not tO' enter glory's gates ; 

For all things assuredly come to him, 

Who patiently works and waits. 

And when the recording angel, 

In his book shall enter your name, 

You shall have reached the highest summit, 

Of the most enduring fame. 

My peaceful slumber at last was broken, 

And the vision faded from sight ; 

Disappeared, my glorious temple, 

Transformed, its lofty height. 

Peace and happiness stay in humble station, 

Where devotion and duty call ; 

If you never reach fame's lofty summit, 

ISPever attempt to scale its wall. 



THE DOMESTIC HEARTH. 



/esta, the goddess of the household and domestic hearth, had 
her temple at Ro^me in which the sacred fire was guarded 
by six priestesses called "Vestal Virgins." 

Ye muses nine inspire my soul, 
And those poetic lines control. 

While I would fain indite, 
A line about poetry and music true ; 
Of the liberal arts and science too, 

Inspire my pen to write. 

Ye Graces that in number three, 
Shall I devote my muse to thee, 

In numbers sweet and tender; 
For ostentation and display, 
The world of letters, fill to-day ; 

We hail thee, shining ''Splendor." 



256 THE DO:ylESTIC HEARTH. 

In all earth's bowers where shall we find 
Contentment true and peace of mind, 

Without earth's ills alloy? 
But this beautiful sister comes to our aid, 
When grieved, cast down and sore dismayed ; 

W^e hail thy reign, O "Joy." 

While we earth's callings must pursue, 
Keeping honor, truth and right in view, 

We at times must treasure 
A grace most innocent of care, 
That helps life's burdens sad to bear : 

Then is thy time, O "Pleasure." 

Ye Fates that o'er our lives preside, 
The future from all mortals hide : 

IJt were useless work to seek 
The first great Cause, life's origin : 
Where it will end or where begin, 

Let literateurs speak. 

We know the cord of life was spun ; 
By cunning hand the work was done ; 

Yet must severed be the thread ; 
The loftiest mortals must succumb 
To that dread foe that sure will come : 

Great nations now are dead. 

But why reflect sad themes, O muse, 
Anticipating woe is no use ; 

The singing of a cheerful lay 
Is the best medicine here on earth. 
Away sad blues, some genial mirth ; 

Enjoy life while you may. 

In the Goddess Vesta^ we behold 
Joys and blessings manifold. 

Of which there is no dearth ; 
In this world or that to come, 
None like domestic joys of home, 

Encircling every hearth. 



THE DOMESTIC HEAETH. 25< 

Thy form is seen in flowing robe ; 

Thy sphere is found all round the globe; 

Thy goodness we can trace, 
In domiciles low, high haunts of man; 
Throughout creation's boundless plan, 

We recognize thy place. 

A lamp she is holding in one hand, 
To illumine the darkness of the land ; 

To cause some family cheer. 
When domestic happiness is fled, 
Life's ties and all endearments dead, 

Oh souls, to- thee, how drear. 

In ancient times she had her home 
In a beautiful temple built in Rome : 

Grand thoughts my soul inspire. 
Six beautiful priestesses always stood, 
Of pleasant demeanor and cheerful mood, 

To guard the ''sacred fire." 

Oh, Vestal Virgins, symbols true 
Of domestic peace, the world to you 

Owes a balance of unpaid debt ; 
Our domestic joys may they ever increase; 
Our hearths be homes of love and peace. 

Whose light can never set. 

Away with the gold of the millionaire, 
With costly equipage trappings fair : 

These dO' not count a cent, 
When vice and avarice hold full rule ; 
And discord fills the mansion full. 

Thus fostering- discontent. 

In the heavens above or earth below. 
In castles high or hovels low, 

When we true peace espy, 
We cannot but in truth rejoice, 
While angels speak with loving voice, 

Applauding from on high. 



258 MEMORY. 

Oh, Vesta bright, our homes now shield ; 
Our world furnishes an inviting field. 

As in thy olden time ; 
Our domestic altars forever hold dear. 
In contentmicnt and peace ever appear. 

Under thy mission sublime. 



MEMORY. 

"But those that loved me living, when I die 
Shall fondly keep some cherished memory." 

Solon. 
On the banks of the stream called the river of time, 
There's a plant that's perennial, undying:, 
This amaranth flower stands in beauty sublime, 
Time's marks of destruction defying. 
The scent of this flower is exquisite, rare, 
Exhaling most fragrant perfume ; 
The world is charmed by its gorgeousness fair. 
For health toi the soul is its bloom. 

In moments of care I will linger and tarry 

On the green banks of this swift-flowing stream. 

Whose reflections our mind backward will carry 

To the spring time of youth that has passed as a dream. 

And the pure hidden fount of affection, 

That slumbers as dead, will unroll, 

As the magic of art in the truest direction. 

Till it possession takes of the soul. 

And there it will start a mighty commotion ; 

Our feelings, unuttered, though deep. 

May alternately rise as the wave of the ocean. 

When the stiffening breeze may cause it to weep. 

And there may be a moment of bitter reflection. 

When never a mortal is near ; 

The death of some hopes, we softly may mention. 

And water their graves with a tear. 

But memory, dear memory, we still must thee cherish ; 
Thy fire in our bosoms never can die ; 
Tho' friends of our youth as the autumn leaves perish. 
We cherish their memory on high. 



THE ANGEL OF PEACE. 259 

The sun may dawn in the horizon decline, 
The glorious stars of the evening set ; 
But the bright star of memory ever shall shine ; 
And we love the friends whom we cannot forget. 

When life we lay down with its burdens so sad, 
We may not unwept, or unhonored be ; 
But as the tried pilgrim we shall be glad, 
When we anchor beyond the deep sea. 
The story of our life or what we had done, 
May help some fallen mortal to rise ; 
Our memory be bright as the noon-day sun, 
As cloudless he sinks in the evening skies. 

We sigh not for glory, we care not for fame ; 

But when the days of our pilgrimage end, 

We know that some being will remember our name. 

Be it that of a stranger or friend. 

On the banks of time's stream will this fairest flower, 

Still appear as an amaranth green ; 

It shall be replanted in heaven's own bower. 

In perpetual beauty forever be seen. 



THE ANGEL OF PEACE, 



The war horse of death had stalked thro' the land, 

But soon must his ravages cease ; 

Away must be turned slaughter's red hand, 

By the white-robed Angel of Peace. 

This celestial harbinger from on high. 

Announces his proclamation again, 

From the arching roof of the vaulted sky, 

That peace must dwell among' men. 

O'er earth has been heard the wailings of sorrow ; 

Desolation its mantle has cast 

On earth's choicest vales ; in loftiest places 

Has swept deaths clarion blast. 

The roaring cannon has darkened the morn ; 

All nations have war's victims been ; 

But the Angel of Peace in her chariot borne, 

Is fast changing the dreadful scene. 



260 THE ANGEL OF PEACE. 

Lay down, ye nations, your treasured trophies ; 

Let them all be disfigured with rust ; 

Your relics gathered during many ages, 

Let them be consigned to the dust. 

The omnipotent power hath proclaimed and spoken, 

From His throne of eternal years ; 

Hath left upon earth a lasting token. 

That the nations shall dry up their tears. 

The orbs above us, around, or below. 

Seem to enjoy fro'm. His hand a surcease 

Of infinite favors, as far as we know. 

The blessings of continued peace. 

While our planet storm-swept and volcanic, 

As it onward revolves in its course. 

Must be cursed with the din of perpetual arms. 

And ruled by the minions of force. 

The ominous prophets have failed to discern, 

The presage of peace in the stars ; 

Our world will not always worship 

The bronze statued heroes of mars. 

The mandate is written, and so is recorded. 

That war's devastations shall cease : 

The dragons of war shall be hurled to perdition, 

For so hath spoken the Angel of Peace. 

The millennial day is fast coming on. 

With its promised thousands of years, 

When men shall forget their arts of war. 

And shall find no use for their spears : 

When the howitzer musket, and dragons of war, 

vShall be no more used, but finally cease; 

And Paradise be in a measure restored. 

By the white-robed Angel of Peace. 

Loud sound your poeans, warf aring- nations ; 

In consonant anthems proclaim. 

No more are armies for earth's desolation ; 

No more are the groans of the slain. 

Ring loud your hallelujahs in chorus. 

For the promise is verified when 

Peace, peace comes to reign upon earth, 

Good will and glad tidings to men. 



THE LAST EXPERIMENT. 261 

The cities of earth with peace banners unfurled, 

Shall extend from each isle to the sea; 

Rejuvenated shall be old nations, 

Which then shall be truly free. 

Hail with joy and gladness such coming day, 

When men's joys in a ratio increase ; 

Peace universal shall hold full sway, 

'Neath the reign of the Angel of Peace. 



THE, LAST EXPERIMENT. 



"E pluribus unum." One out of many. 

We stand as the last experiment 

Of a nation wholly free; 

Old time Republics all have perished ; 

They no more as nations be. 

What changed their growth and glory 

To swift premature decay? 

They lacked religion, virtue, justice, — 

Were by times besom swept away. 

Som,etimes we look filled with wonder ; 

Our beginning being so small, 

That we were not exterminated. 

Lives, property and all. 

We stand the living, latest experiment : 

Older natons past and dead, 

Sank through venality and corruption ; 

Rotting at the fountain head. 

'E pluribus unum," is our motto ; 
Virtue, peace, independence. 
With religion, justice shall predominate 
With us thousands years hence. 
God grant this experiment by the people, 
Share not the oppressor's fate ; 
But remain a truly Christian nation ; 
For the good alone are great. 



POEMS 

On Courtship, Lovet Marriage and Song 



COURTSHIP. 265 

COURTSHIP. 



Once I courted a fair lady ; 
I do not do it now, 
Because my further visits, 
Her pa did not allow. 
She was a blooming lassie, 
As in a day you'd see; 
But her mean old daddy, 
No' liking took to me. 

Her cheeks were plump and rosy ; 
Her teeth were like the snow; 
Her nose was Greek or Roman, 
And classic was her brow. 
I thought myself a suitor. 
Her daddy did say no; 
With thoughts of deep emotion, 
I forced myself to go. 

I concluded to stay away ; — 
The thought did then seem hard. 
"Get, out and leave my premises — 
I'll boot you thro' the yard." 
Now for my lasting benefit, 
I had thus to comply; 
And with a freezing tender look, 
I bade my love good-bye. 

But this sad scene all happened, 

Great many years ago ; 

Her spirit has arisen — 

Her ashes rest below, 

But gracious heaven, bless me, 

If I can e'er forget; 

The memory of her presence — 

Yea, seems to linger yet. 



266 CUPID AND MARS. 

CUPID AND MARS. 



"Lovers have their times of wars ; 
Cupid has his camp as well as mars;' 
The greatest genius fails; 
Tho' man may woo and love in vain, 
Swear off and love and plight again, 
'Tis destiny prevails. 



MUSING OF A PENSIVE SWAIN. 



One eve as Sol's refulgent blaze 
Gave way to Luna's feeble rays. 
Invited by the gale, 
I roamed the wide extensive plain, 
When Philomel in pensive strain, 
Sang forth her love-sick tale. 

Hard by a chrystal fountain's side, 
A pensive youth I th^re espied. 
And courteous was his mien ; 
His looks did inward grief bespeak,,- 
When he the awful silence break, 
And thus he did complain: 

"Oh, could I like great Ovid write. 
Or had I, Homer's genius bright, 
In sweet poetic strains, 
I would invoke the subtle god, 
Who makes me kiss the fatal sod, 
To mitigate my pains." 

"Witlh her though in a humble cot, 
All former woes would be forgot ; 
Ye powers I do implore. 
Grant me this blessing from above, 
So that I may obtain my love. 
And I will ask no more." 

(Perchance thought I your fate is hard 

Hatred may be the sad reward, 

Of your too constant love. 

I doubt your woes may be like mine. 

And that the one for whom you pine, 

Ma)^ false and faithless prove.) 



COURTING. 267 

While thus he spake the radiant morn 

From Jove's high arch on wings was borne; 

The songsters on each spray, 

With one accord sang out their lays, 

To' chant their great Creator's praise, 

And hail the opening day. ^ "' 

There seems to be predestined end, 
To which must every mortal bend, 
That he cannot foreknow;; 
That by the fates before assigned. 
Or by a Providence most kind, 
Is shaped our fate below. 

But soon from friends, parental home, ,.. 

Across the briny O'cean's foam. 

From former haunts did stray ; 

So thus the mad waves dash their foam,' 

Between him and his former home. 

In youth's bright radiant day. 



COURTINGh— In Retrospective. 



I paddled along side of her 
Through rain and mud and snow; 
I cared not for wind or weather. 
So that she let me go 
Right to her parental mansion, 
Where the fire steady glowed^ .. 
In the little cottage olden. 
That stood beside the road. 

Brightest joys are soonest over.;' ' 

Fair flowers soonest fade ; 

So the plightings of the lover, . 

Are easily broke and made. 

As we look in retrospective 

Thro' time's shadowy pall, 

We think it is better to have lost, 

Than ncA'^er have loved at all. 



268 THE BACHELOR'S HAVEN. 

But as I had made up my mind, 
Anotlher eve to go, 
She curled up her saucy snout. 
And pertly answered — ''No." 
Some electrical sensations, 
Then flaisTied across my brain ; 
My breeches grew a size too large, 
Nor e'er would fit again. 

I went down to the tailor shop, 
With moisture in 'my eyes, 
He told me I had gained in wit, 
Just what I lost in size. 
But shades of Nicodemus, 
'Tis hard to stand the strain ; 
I found my hat two sizes large. 
In w^hich I kept my brain. 

Well, I nevermore went with her, 
I now don't care a darn ; 
(Pt is the experience of the suitor, 
And this will end my yarn, 
It is a mattier of philosophy. 
Young men should learn to know, 
That they must expect repulses, 
In places they can't go. 



THE BACHELOR'S HAVEN. 



An imitation of — "Tell me ye winged winds." — By Mackey. 

Tell me ye sighing winds 

That reach some desert shore. 

Is there no sweet Elysium, 

Where sorrow is no more? 

Somie Utopia in the East, 

Some island in the West, 

Where a bachelor may find 

A peaceful hour to rest? 

The wild wind sighed as if in much distress ; 

In sad but low cadences, answered, "yes." 



THE BACHELOR'S HAVEN. 269 

Tell me ye raging deep 

Whose billows round me roll, 

Is there not some peaceful island 

Around or near the pole, 

Where a bachelor may find 

"The bliss for which he sighs," 

Where the women never scold, 

And the baby never cries ? 

The golden moon unveiled her face an hour or so, 

And the man within said emphatically, "No." 

Tell me ye lofty planets 

That rulest life's affairs. 

Is there no enchanted castle 

'Mid low or upper airs 

Where a bachelor may find 

A calm and sweet repose, 

Untrammeled from all married ills, 

Secure against its woes? 

The great old solemn owl in a pitying voice of woe 

Piped out from her sombre lodgings with a "No." 

Tell me ye staid philosophers 

Whose mission is to bless, 

Is t^here no healing balm 

For single life's distress. 

Where a bachelor may find 

Relief from single woes. 

The club-room's fatal orgies, 

That midnight rest oppose? 

The cooing sweet dove answered, as on his perch he sate, 

"True connubial blessedness is in the married state." 

Tell me ye blushing damsel. 

Having money, wealth and land, 

A gay turn-out, fine equipage, 

A delicate jeweled hand — 

Are these your "summum bonum," 

And thus resigned to fate, 

Have some congenial mate? 

Would you not prefer to 

The bust above the parlor door in seeming great distress. 

Opening at once its tiny mouth answered with a, "Yes." 

Note. — "Summum bonum," the chief good. 



270 THE AMERICAN LADIES. 

THE AMEiRICAN LADIES. 



The American ladies, bless them, 
They have on earth no peer 
For virtue, w^orth and excellence 
Upon this mundane sphere. 
Their innate beauty is betwitching, 
They have a wealth of charms ; 
And before we are aware of it, 
We drop into their arms. 

The American ladies, we adore them, 

The dearest loving souls; 

Their magnetic power draws us, 

As the needle to the poles. 

They have proven ministering angels. 

Whose hearts are full of bliss ; 

And our globe without their presence, 

Would be a wilderness. 

The guardian angel of the household, 

She lightens every care ; 

And makes this world of miseries. 

Less burdensome to bear. 

And when life's woes o'erwhelm us 

As with a flowing tide. 

Here, we have a source of comJort, 

'Kind heaven has supplied. 

If e'er our world be regenerated, 

Peace with virtue rule the land. 

The cause of temperance flourish. 

Good deeds on every hand, 

The women warriors in this battle 

Must in the vanguard lead. 

If from ignorance and superstition. 

The world fallen is freed. 

Is there a hand more opportune 

In sickness or distress. 

Who watches with more tender care, 

Whose mission is to bless? 



THE AMERICAN LADIES. 271 

If when called to close life's journey — 
In early manhood die, 
The hand in infancy that nursed us, 
Is the last to bid good-bye. 

All honor to^ the Anuerican ladies 

Whose teachings in the home. 

More precious are than golden dust. 

They fit for years to come. 

She guideth right our weary foot-steps, 

That sinking we may rise ; 

Will rescue us from vile temptation. 

And point us to the skes. 

Is there a crusade against corrupton. 
She's foremost in the campaign? 
The enemy's ranks before her falter ; 
Her warfare is not in vain. 
If it were not for her victories, 
Hope wpuld within our bosom die ; 
With press and pen and tongue she fires 
At vice's battlements on high. 

High as the heavens her monument, 

We thus attempt to raise ; 

But our sincerest words of tribute. 

Are too weak a meed of praise. 

Queen of the domestic circle — 

We this poor tribute give ; 

And the man who does not love her, 

Is by no mieans fit to live. 

The American ladies, bless tihem. 

Their heart is ever true ; 

Our sinful world can ne'er repay 

One-half the good they do. 

When at last our world's redeemed 

From sins polluting ways, 

Mien shall wear their share of credit ; 

But shall women gain the praise. 



272 THE MINlSTEK'fS KISS. 

THE MINISTER'S KISS. 



First Lady : — ''I can see no impropriety in a Minister kissing a 
lady." 
^ Second Lady : — "No lady should permit any man to kiss her 
except her own husband." 

If a lady puckers up her lips 
Standing collected, cool, 
The man that will not kiss her, 
Is said to be a fool. 

You may size it up or size it down, 
Tho' 'tis a matter small. 
If the minister don't kiss her. 
She's seldom kissed at all. 

The men will somietimes cease to love, 
To fondle and caress, 
[When tihey so much desire it. 
And would this truth confess. 
Their mothers used to pet them 
When they were children small ; 
And when they had no husbands, 
Why, they caressed their doll. 

Chorus. — You may size it up, or size it down — 

But true love is a tender plant, 
Grows not in every soil ; 
Afifection not reciprocated. 
Is very sure to spoil. 
The good minister in society. 
Must keep love's fires aflame, 
By patting each red-haired baby, 
Kissing each pretty dame. 

Chorus. — You may size it up, or size it down-- 

The men are full of blandishments, ,, . 

And do not cease to smile, , 

But ladies other than their wives, 

Receive them all the while. ' 



THE MINISTER'S KISS. 273 

Take some good advice, dear ladies, 
There's one thing you can do; 
Caress, and pet and love your husbands, 
And, no doubt, they will kiss you. 

Chorus. — You may size it up, or size it down — 

In the true connubial state, 
There should be constant bliss, 
Who can estimate the value 
In money, of a kiss? 
The minister may lavish kisses. 
On the ministerial plan. 
Mixing piety with religion. 
As the man in broad-cloth can. 

Chorus. — You may size it up, or size it down — 

Ladies may often kiss each other, 

In the town or crowded street ; 

To' judge their friendship by the smacking, 

It would seem awful sweet. 

When those fair young blooming damsels. 

At such practices I see, 

I wish the one had missed the other, 

And gave the kiss tO' me. 

Chorus. — You may size it up, or size it down — 

When talking on this subject, 
Permit me here tO' say. 
That indiscriminate kissing. 
Does seldom ever pay. 
The minister like the doctor, 
May be sent for in distress, 
To' administer consolation, 
And the sinner vile to bless. 

Chorus. — You may size it up, or size it down — 



274 THE WILD WOOD STRAIN. 



Now husbands still be lovers to 
The one you made your bride ; 
A genuine kiss enkindles friendship, 
Does a world of good beside„ 
The minister must pay you visits, 
As a matter of course; 
But do not let him kiss your wife, 
For fear of a divorce. 

Chorus. — You may size it up, or size it down — 



THE WILD-WOOD STRAIN. 



I love, I love to listen 
To the wild-wood's sweet strain, 
To the mild autumnal zephyrs 
That rumble o'er the plain, 
When in thrilling sweet cadences 
The feathered warblers sing, 
Reminding us of the glories, 
Of the departed spring. 

When in hours of contemplation 

I to the wood-lands hie, 

I can fondly then imagine. 

That I can hear the sigh 

Of the year that's slowly dying, 

Of past happy hours fled. 

Of youth's bright hopes that perished, 

Now numbered with the dead, 

I love, I love to wander 

To that familiar spot, 

Where our departed slumber. 

Who never are forgot. 

Fancy makes me hear the music 

Borne on the winds afar, 

That our loved enjoy in heaven, 

Beyond the gates ajar. 



THE WIFE. 275 



I love, I love to listen, 

As the hours take their flight, 

To the warbler's songs at morning 

A pleasure and delight. 

Permit me then thus to retire, 

IntO' this autumn wood. 

To revere the works of nature, 

And know that God is good. 



THE WIFE,. 



Some sigh to be happy, some wish to be great ; 

Some envy what others can do ; 

But there is content in a lowly estate 

With the fond one thou lovest and true. 

What greater gift could be g'iven to man, 

The essence of happiness, bliss, 

Than that which the great Creator did plan, 

Transcending all joys in a world like this. 

There is in each true woman's breast a spark, 

A divine and heavenly ray, 

Which in day of prosperity's dormant and dark, 

But beams in adversity's day, 

Oh, joy that's purest, noblest, and best. 

Of any on earth tihat is known ; 

Heaven has ordained a true union blest, - 

Which never comes of living alone. 

Some sigh to be happy, some seek to be great; 

Some vanities wholkv^ pursue ; 

But nought can be compared to the married estate. 

With hearts fond, loving and true. 

The union of heart and the union of soul. 

By mutual cords of sympathy bound. 

Is the happiest one on earth as a whole. 

None better as yet has been found. 

Could these joys that are truest, the purest and best, 
Unto all the unmarried be known. 
None would in single wretchedness rest, 
Or pursue life's pathway alone. 



276 FOREVER TPIINE. 

I know upon earth no worthier prize, 
Nor one that transcends it in worth ; 
Very few men in this world can rise, 
Without possessing this treasure of earth. 



FOREVER THINE. 



Oh, I am thine, forever thine, 

As long as life shall last ; 

I know thy heart beats true to mine, — 

Same as in the years past. 

Thou art tihe dearest to my mind, 

Nought can I ask for more ; 

The only being that I find, 

Whom I do most adore. 

Oh, I am thine forever thine. 

Thou creature pure of earth ; 

Than precious jewels of the mine, 

Thou art of greater worth. 

Thro' all the varied ills of life, 

We hand in hand shall go ; 

Our hearts shall know not bitter strife, 

Nor estrangement here below. 

As the constant refulgent sun. 

Does brighter make the sky, 

So thy dear presence cheerful one. 

Is as the light on high. 

May our union still grow^ dearer 

While we on earth remain ; 

Our true happiness grow nearer. 

In love's magnetic chain. 

The brightest stars that in splendor be, 

And gem the brow of night, 

Not so beautiful are to me, 

Thou'rt fairer to my sight. 

Oh, I am thine, forever thine, 

Thro' all the ills of life ; 

Thy heart responsive beats to mine. 

The adored and loved wife. 



IS MARRIAGE A FAILURE? 277 

IS MARRIAGE A FAILURE? 



Marriage: — ''The act of uniting a man and woman for life. 

Marriage was instituted by God Himself, for promoting 

domestic felicity." — Webster. 
''Marriage is honorable in all/' — Heb. 13. 

Wihen in the beauteous garden of Eden, 

The great Creator did place 

Adam and Eve, as man and wife, 

The progenitors of our race, 

Domestic tranquility there did reign. 

With attendant blessings of peace, 

That the union thus made should not be broken, 

Nor its sacred obligations cease. 

Marriage ordained cannot be a failure. 
Judging by the results that we see; 
But the institution is not held as sacred, 
As God designed it should be. 
Marriage is a lottery so^mie men will say : 
A saying I very much doubt ; 
But some that are out want to get in, 
And some that are in want to get out. 

True marriage cannot be a failure ; 

But we sometimes are loathe to confess, - 

That parties enter this sacred relatio'U, 

Without knowledge, at random, or guess. 

That the best institutions of heaven. 

By infinite wisdom designed. 

Are oft disobeyed, trampled down, dishonored, 

A state, we with sorrow find. 

True marriage cannot be a failure ; 

Yet we read the records of the court. 

That the judge has severed the Gordian Knot, 

Because they were married in sport. 

Poor foolish things of age immature; 

Their parents were much opposed ; 

The first foolish act of their life is done, 

And the scene of the act is closed. 



278 TO LOVE AISD WED. 

Here's a husband untrue to the marital vows ; 
The wife seeks a divorce in the court ; 
The judge an alimony to her allows; 
And she thus derives her support. 
Or perhaps the demon of jealousy 
Has played a very disastrous part ; 
And the connubial cord thus severed, 
Has rent in twain each bleeding- heart. 

We might indite sad notes forever. 

And then not come to a close ; 

Since the fabled Pandora's box was opened, 

Our earth's overflowing with woes. 

''Marry in haste and repent at leisure," 

Is the adage of some old sage ; 

Its instructions are faithfulh^ carried out — 

The inexcusabe sin of our age. 

Marriage can never be a failure, 
I stand appalled at the thought ! 
Marriage has been for six thousand years, 
And home is a sanctified spot. 
Is there a place under broad heaven 
Where earth's glorious virtues shine? 
Yes, it is found at the marital altar, 
In the institution of marriage divine. 



TO LOVE AND WED. 



Perhaps we may forgive mankind 
For acting somewhat human ; 
For it is bred and born, in the mind, 
To love and wed a woman. 

List to the wieary bachelor's cry : 
There is a good time comin' ; 
I'll pick up a help-meet by and by. 
In the shape of a pretty woman. 

In matters of food, it costs no more 
To a bachelor living alone, 
Than keeping a spinster to do each chore, 
To keep a wife of your own. 

Chorus.;;— List to the Aveary bachelor's cry- 



TO LOVE AND WED. 279 

A wife that's congenial, true and good, 
Ne'er ceases to be admired; 
But you can never reach life's happiest mood 
With one that is only hired. 

Chorus. — List to tlie weary bachelor's cry — 

Your wife may give you children to bless 
On each alternate year : 
You will learn the pleasure to caress, 
And be called "Papa dear." 

Chorus. — List to tlie weary bachelor's cry — 

Why bless your life, my dearest sir, 
You, surely some one suits ; 
But if she elopes with a handsomer man. 
Another can fill her boots. 

Chorus. — List to the weary bachelor's cry — 

I tried to lead a bachelor's life 
Until I was twenty-two ; 
I got so disgusted and out of heart, 
I saw it would never do. 

Chorus. — List to the weary bachelor's cry — 

Earth's social fabric cannot be built 
On solid foundation grand, 
Outside of the true connubial state. 
Designed for the bliss of man. 

Chorus. — List to the weary bachelor's cry — 

Then summon up courage, my bachelor friend, 
Yo'U never can pluck the fruit. 
Or reach life's most coveted end, 
Without you press your suit. 

Chorus.^List to the wear}^ bachelor's cry — 



280 'THE TUNE THE OLD COW DIED ON." 

Why live in wretchedness thus apart, 
Until you reach four score, 
When you might capture a loving heart, 
And life's true joys restore. 

Chorus. — List to the weary bachelor's cry — 

A bachelor's club is a nasty place, 
Of tobacco, smoke and beer, 
Without a single redeeming grace. 
Or a woman's voice to cheer. 

Chorus. — List to the weary bachelor's cry — 

A bachelor's seldo'm' ever a saint; 

I pause not to tell you why; 

He seldom removes from his vices' taint. 

Will oft in wretchedness die. 

Chorus. — List to the weary bachelor's cry — 



'THE TUNE THE OLD COW DIED ON. 



Oh, have you heard the racket 
Down by the old barn's side? 
Our old muley kicked the bucket, 
She sickened and she died. 

Chorus. — For the old man sighed^ — 
For the old woman cried, 
The butdher gave a dollar for her hide, 
A daisy was this fine old cow. 

She made fifteen pounds of butter, 
Every blessed week; 
Sister Sally hugged and kissed her. 
It is the truth I speak. 

Chorus. — For the old man sighed. 

She gave the richest buttermilk, 
Of any cow I knowi; 
She always took the premium, 
At every cattle show. 

Chorus. — For the old man sighed. 



COURTSHIP AND MARRIAGE. 281 

She was the most mild-tempered cow, 

That ever kicked a pail ; 

But she took the hollow horn, 

And the wolf in the tail. 

Chorus. — For the old man sighed. 

And now my story is ended; 
And I have told you how 
That my good old high-bred Jersey, 
Was a truly model cow. 

Chorus. — For the old man sighed. 

It was a sad misfortune ; 
Her health began to fail, 
For she took the hollow horn, 
And the wolf in the tail. 



Chorus. — For the old man sighed. 



COURTSHIP AND MARRIAGE^At Long Range. 



Let me read you a new and romantic story. 

That is neither odd nor strange; 

Howf people in the matrimonial market, 

Are brought together at long range. 

That truth is much stranger than fiction, 

Needs nO' confirming word of mine ; 

That true love and courtship can be managed 

Along some pre-concerted line. 

It was at the Pittsburg Union Station, 

That the two confiding lovers met; 

They became acquainted thro' a marriage journal, 

And they never had seen each other yet. 

A special correspondence was opened. 

Which into warmth and ardor grew ; 

Photographs were then exchanged, 

As lovers residing apart must do. 



282 MY ANGELS. 

True love is equal to all emergencies: 
Tihey had signals arranged to show 
When they met, to recognize each other, 
In the form of a "red-ribbon bow." 
The train pulled in shortly after eight, 
After pursuing its daily race; 
Our lovers at once espied each other, 
And there enjoyed a warm embrace. 

Then arm in arm they sauntered off, 

As old lovers of years might do ; 

Very likely the union formed this way 

May be genuine ; lasting prove and true 

They hurried off to seek a minister, 

By whom they might at once be wed ; 

But now you must guess their future history, 

By the story you just have read. 

These are days of lightning courtships ; 
"Uncle Sam" with his limiited mail, 
Can knock the spots of old god Cupid, 
And in secret carry the lover's tale. 
I used to remember back in the fifties, 
Young men courted years a score, 
Before they finally came to conclusions. 
Bringing their brides to the marriage floor. 

Life is too brief and time is too short, 

In trifling, to be thus frittered away ; 

We admire the beaux who have sense to propose, 

And thus hasten the wedding day. 

Marriage may be a lottery, or it may not, 

Its aim should be always sublime ; 

If you know not your wife before you get married, 

You will sure get acquainted in time. 



MY ANGELS. 



I met two loving little angels. 
Hard by a strip of wood ; 
Heaven's light shone in their glances. 
And I knew they were good. 



MY ANGELS. 283 

In robes of sweetness 'and innocence, 
With a bewitching mien, 
They w^ere much fairer than the houries, 
The heaven and earth between. 

I was led captive by their graces, 

As seen in their clear blue eye; 

So I felt like rendering homage, 

I cannot tell you why. 

They possessed more than beauty's charms; 

I could not help but feel. 

That thc}^ were superior creatures, 

Nor half my jo}^ conceal. 

The light of elegance and beauty. 

Shone in their form so fair. 

And in the curling, wavy tresses, 

Oif their fiaxen, golden hair. 

Were they heavenly visitants 

That had wandered down' here? 

No they were those pretty creatures. 

That sometimes do appear. 

But I shall ne'er forget their greeting, 

A moment 'twas of bliss ; 

Each one handed me a present; 

It was a wrapt-up kiss. 

I declare I stood enraptured, 

The scene I can't forget; 

For I sometimes think those angels. 

Are gazing on me yet. 

Who were those lovely beings? Tell me : 

That I now propose to do ; 

They were two prettiest little girls 

E'er seen by mortal view. 

Who says that heaven does not bless us 

In sending angels here ? 

As bright visions on our pathway. 

They now and then appear. 



284 THE BACHELOR. 

THE BACHELOR. 



An imitation of— "Love of Country."-— By Scott. 

"Breathes there a man with soul so dead," 
Be brown, or black, or gray his head. 
Who never sought a fair damlsel's hand ; 
No fires of Hymen in him burned ; 
Nor once to the marriage altar turned. 
To fulfill the great command. 

"If such there be, go mark him well ;" 
N'O love does within his bosom swell ; 
No fair damsel to take his name ; ^ 
No offspring his inheritance to claim ; 
He may have bank-stock, golden pelf; 
He lives and dies for only himself. 
Tho' rich, he deserves no fair renown. 
Will swift to oblivion go down, 
Unmourned, unwept by mortal tongue, 
"To the vile dust from whence he sprung." 



THE OLD MAID. 



From the earliest dawn of tradition, 
That has come from ages down. 
There appeared on earth a being; — 
Was seen in every state and town, ^ 
She was somewhat unique, romantic ; 
In behavior mild and staid ; 
She was by common acclamation. 
Called an Old Maid. 

She may have rejected hosts of suitors, 
Till her temper's out of joint; 
But to evade married wretchedness. 
Has e'er been her stronges.t point. 
She has been awaiting the right fellow, 
But his coming has been delayed, 
Till figures point out on the calendar. 
She has become an Old Maid. 



THE OLD MAID. 285 

She has kept out of Hymen's ranks, 

Whatever be the leading cause ; 

She has not been smitten by Cupid's dart, 

Has kept aloof from miarried woes. 

The gents easily recognize her. 

By games on them she played; 

Yet she never stoops to conquer. 

This lively Old Maid. 

She v^ill not marry to be a menial, 
For gold, title, rank or land ; 
The man must be of intrinsic value, 
Who seeks to lead her by the hand. 
She feels some choicer than her sisters; 
In clothes of modern style arrayed ; 
Not finding a true suitable partner. 
She remains an Old Maid. 

Two many women jump at conclusions, 

By accepting such as call ; 

Ever after mourn their situation. 

Wishing they hadn't married at all. 

By a drunken worthless bummer. 

This miaiden is not betrayed ; 

In this case single life is more preferred, 

By our cautious Old Maid. 

Why speak sligihtingly of the lady who 
Would much rather live alone. 
Than endure everlasting misery, 
When all happiness is gone? 
She holds out against all blandishments ; 
It is useless to' persuade her to, 
Marry against her better judgment. 
This business Old Maid. 

She wants no foreigner with a title, 
Come from beyond the salty seas, 
Who wants to wed her for her money, 
That ihe may live at princely ease. 
She has American grit and spirit ; 
Her decision cannot be gainsaid ; 
Rather than marry a pompous nothing. 
She remains an Old Maid. 



286 THE HEN-PECKED HUSBAND. 

None can have a word of compassion, 
For her who throws out baits so fine, 
That she may catch a bunch of suckers, 
Have them dangling on her line. 
She may be in this gamie o'er-matched ; 
For dissimulation when portrayed, 
Don't always work tO' the advantage. 
Of the heart-breaking Old Maid. 

Whether heaven has not sent a lover, 

Or whether she has too many, 

'Steering clear of married breakers 

She avoids marrying any. 

She may like Rachel mourn her children. 

Till too long in life delayed ; 

When at the ripe age of seventy-five, 

We behold the Old Maid. 

Let me speak kindly of this class, 

Some of whom have good sense, 

Who will not marry any dandy. 

That wears a mustache immense. 

She has a right to marry or not ; 

Not of popular clamor afraid ; 

Better single than tied to a worthless stick, 

Is our happy O'ld Maid. 



THE HEIN-PEiCKED HUSBAND. 



Anomialies oft will present themselves. 
Thro' all the changing phases of life; 
But that man is certainly much to be pitied. 
Who has married a shrew for a wife. 
Some things are solemn, others are ludicrous 
No event can happen through chance, 
But when a woman sets her head to rule. 
She migiht as well just wear the pants. 

A man styles himself lord and master ; 
It sometimes happens to be the case, 
The feminine rules the home and roost, 
And is really boss of the place. 



THE HEN-PECKED HUSBAND. 287 

She shows it in an unmistakable manner, 
And in her dominating- air ; 
You can tell from each passing- circumstance, 
That she is both lord and master there. 

The ''weaker sex," is sometimes the stronger ; 
The 'husband, poor hen-pecked. 
Must jump at her whispered commands. 
For whom she has no respect. 
"Come John, pull out of that corner; 
Quickly bring me a bucket of coal ; 
You know you are a poor ignoramus. 
With scarcely an ounce of soul !'' 

"John, the baby cries ; rock the cradle : 

Dom't let him chaw that spread ; 

Hurry, bring me a bucket of water, 

Or I'll slipper you over the head." 

''John, you know I am your master ; 

I want you tO' mind and obey ; 

I own this farm, you and the cattle. 

And I must, in every thing, have my way." 

"You talked about me some time ago 

To that scoundrel Jones : 

If I ever find you guilty again. 

I'll smash every one of your bones." 

"You talked with that 'sniptious,' saucy widow," 

Down town in our gro'cery store ; 

ril pound your head lik^a jelly-fish, 

If I know of your talking more." 

"You know I brought you a fortune ; 

T married you just for spite ; 

Speaking the truth, I was tired of you, 

Shortly after our wedding night." 

"There was a doctor I might have married ; 

He oft called me his darling pet ; 

In a few months more Til get a divorce ; 

I know he will marry me yet." 



288 TRUEST ENJOYMENTS FOUND AT HOME. 

Poor John looked the picture of misery ; 

The case, indeed, seemed very plain, 

That the woman controlled him and the ranch. 

And she tightly held the rein. 

No' woman can truly respect a man. 

Whom she thus keeps under her thumb. 

And makes him worse than a galley-slave, 

Till the time of the kingdom come. 

If I have shown up this picture somewhat strong. 

Its meaning you never can loss ; 

Let ineither one try to run the other ; 

Let neither one try to be boss. 

Angry speaking and spitting fire, 

Never did harmony sweet restore ; 

With kissing and bussing, good-natured fussing. 

Love and kindness live once more. 



TRiUElST EINJOYMEINTSi FOUND AT HOME. 



Why trouble our souls with the "Love of the Angels?' 

Or hunt where the streams of Paradise rolled? 

Or spend our days in a fruitless endeavor, 

In hunting some Eldorado of gold, 

When the true springs and fountains of pleasure, 

May in very near proximity rise ; 

The Anglo-maniac in assinine mood, 

May his home institutions despise. 

It is in vain to seek a fabled Pactolus, 
That is washed by auriferous sands ; 
Or a place that is flowing with milk and honey, 
Supplying without labor, nature's demands. 
It is in vain to seek the isles of the Orient, 
In the ruined Alhambra or Acropolis roam 
When the most beautiful figures that greet us, 
Are those seen in our American home. 

It is not in the foreign populous metropolis, 

Nor in its rushing and busy mart, 

Where pleasures abide and happiness lingers ; 

It reigns in the home where is anchored the heart. 



WOMAN'S WILES. 289 

The purse may be filled with wealth to o'erflowing, 
Yet the sprit of restlessness reign in the breast. 
But why should we seek the climate and zone, 
Of foreign skies in order to find a rest? 

The mind always seeks a place of devotion ; 
Tries to happiness find in fields that's afar ; 
But neglects tO' use earth's scenery near, 
Where nature's abundant beauties lavished are. 
Banish the thought that all foreign is good ; 
Be ostracized he who would roam, 
Bending the suppliant knee at a foreign court. 
When are much truer enjoyments at home. 
Notes. — ''Loves of the Angels," a purely fanciful poem written 
by Moore, as an allegory taken from Rabbinical legends. 
A creature of the brain, wholly ethereal imaginary. 
"Eldorado," a golden region or land of gold. 
"Pactolus," a river in Lydia famous for its golden sands. 
"Alhambra," a palace of the Moorish kings at Granada in 

Spain. 
''Acropolis," The citadel in Athens, now famous for its ruins. 
"Metropolis," the capital or chief city of a country; the largest 

city in a State. 
"Ostracize," to exclude from society. 

"Paradise," the most beautiful land ; the garden of Eden. 
Heaven. 



WOMAN'S WILES. 



Who can stand a woman's wiles. 
Her witching look, her cunning smiles 

That reach down to the heart ; 
Her sunshiny dimples in her cheek, 
Her manner modest, graceful, meek. 

That strikes like Cupid's dart. 

Who can resist this tempter's power, 
Fair as the rose in Eden's bower, 

That dews of mornings kiss. 
If I may worship at her shrine, 
The act is human, not divine. 

Yet it partakes of bliss. 



2ViO WOMAN'S WILES. 

Who' can resist dear woman's charms, 
Oh let me languish in her arms ; 

Earth hath no bliss more sweet : 
Some joys are passing — soon do end, 
But when twio hearts in feeling blend, 

Their happiness is complete. 

Who can resist — no, not the best ; 
A spark there lives in every breast. 

That can be set aflame. 
When two fond hearts in union meet. 
Than which mo bliss is more complete. 

Who can true lovers blame. 

Who can resist the winds that blow. 
Or yet send back the currents flow 

Upon the sands of time? 
I would not attempt it if I could, 
It would be but folly if I should ; 

Your joy young friend, is mine. 

Greatest on earth is woman's power ; 
She reigns o^'er you this very hour, 

Yet we such ruling love ; 
For it partakes of Eden's bliss, 
(My dear love let us have a kiss,) 

All other joys above. 

Who can resist a woman's wiles. 
That fascinates you and beguiles, 

Till you are captive led ; 
But this was earth's primeval state, 
You can't resist the spell of fate, 

That you and she should wed. 



Poems on Mythology 



THE TOILS OF HEECULES. 293 

THE TOILS OF HERCULES. 



In Part — Rendered in Modem English. 

Hercules was doomed by his father, Zeus : 

He, unto Queen Here said : 

"He must live and serve the cruel Eurystheus," 

Until he from earth has fled. 

''This day of the rac^e of Perseus," 

Shall a giant son be born ; 

"The mighiest of the sons of men," 

Yet shall he live a life forlorn. 

Then did poor Hercules labor and toil. 

For the good of the sons of men ; 

The minstrels sang of how he slew 

The dread Hydra in his den. 

Dread Harpies that lived in dismal swamps, 

In battle he did defeat ; 

The wild bore before his prowess, 

For his safety sought retreat. 

Far away from his home, he wandered, 
To the land of the setting sun ; 
The apples of Hesperides golden. 
By him were sought, and won. 
On the desolate heights of Caucasus, 
He bade the ravenous vulture flee, 
Which gnawed at the heart of the Titan 
Prometheus — and set him free. 

King Eurystheus did send him 
Down to the Hadean King ; 
The ferocious hound Cerberus, 
He with him back did bring, 
King Pluto and Queen Proserpine 
Ruled o'er this desolate shore, 
Where pilgrims to the gloomy Acheron, 
Came tO' return nevermore. 

How the beautiful Deianeira, 
They sang of the days when he toiled 
Beneath the hot Libyan sun ; 
By him was wooed and won. 



294 THE TOILS OF HERCULES 

The populace greatly loved him ; 
But his day of grief was near; 
For he smote the boy, Eumonos, 
With an ill-directed spear. 

With heart bowed down with anguish, 
He left his home and wife, 
And smote the Centaur Nessus, 
That sought to destroy her lifq. 
Swiftly coursed the fatal poison, 
Thro' the Centaur's every vein ; 
To the most beautiful Deianeira, 
He spoke in a tempting strain : 

"Your husband, though kind, may wander 

Over portions of the globe ; 

So get some of my blood to sprinkle 

Upon his loose and flowing robe." 

"When e'er he's tempted to love another, 

His thoughts will revert to thee; 

In haste will he leave tO' seek thy home, 

From beyond the Western sea." 

Moons waxed and waned in the heavens ; 

Golden harvests were at hand, 

When news came of a captured maiden. 

In a far-off distant land. 

His wife, the slighted Deianeira. 

Being filled with grief and pain. 

Sent as a gift the handsome robe, 

That she might win his love again. 

Hercules quickly wrapped it around him. 

As he by the altar stood ; 

But lo, the vengeance of Nessus, 

It had poisoned all his blood ! 

Fiercer grew the devouring fire. 

And intenser grew each pain ; 

He sought to cast away the poisoned robe. 

But his efforts were all in vain. 

Then unto him came the Maiden lole, 
Great tears in her eyes did flow ; 
With a gentle hand did she soothe him, 
To alleviate his woe. 



THE TOILS OF HERCULES. 295 

"Ah, lole, the brightest of maidens, 
Thy voice shall me in sorrow cheer, 
As I sink down to the sleep of death ;" 
For my end is very near. 

They kindled his great funeral pile ; 
The flames rose up high ; 
And to the beautiful lole, 
He once more made reply : 
''Weep not lole, m}^ toil is done ; 
Now is my time for peaceful rest ; 
Zeus shall welcome his wanderer home, 
To the halls of Olympus blest." 

'T shall see thee again, lole, 

In a land that is fair and bright. 

Where the morning is never trodden. 

By the murky feet of night." 

Then, amidst the crashing of thunder, 

Immortal Hercules fled. 

When the bright Maiden Arete, 

Placed a crown on his head. 

Notes. — A system of myths, or fables believed in b}^ the 

ancients, was termed "Mythology." 
"Hercules," son of Jupiter, celebrated for his "twelve great 

labors." 
"Here," Greek name for Juno, sister and wife of Jupiter, 

queen of heaven. 
"Eurystheus," a king of Mycenae whom Hercules did serve. 
"Hydra," a water serpent with seven heads; as fast as one was 

cut off, two sprang up. 
"Harpies," rapacious monsters having faces like women, but 

bodies and wings like birds. 
"Titan," son of Coelus and Terra — heaven and earth — a name 

given tO' Prometheus. 
"Cerberus," the three-headed dog of Pluto which guarded the 

gate to hades. 
"Pluto and Proserpine," king and queen of the infernal regions, 

or hades. 
"Acheron," son of Sol and Terra, transformed into a river in the 

infernal regions. 
"Deianeira." wife of Hercules. 



296 DAPHNE. 

"Centaurs," a fabled race, half man and half horse. 
''Olympus," the mount where Jupiter held his court supreme 

over heaven and earth. 
''Zeus," Jupiter, king of the gods. 
"Arete," a bright immortal maiden. 
"Hesperides," three nymphs, daughters of Hesperus, who 

guarded the golden apples which Juno gave to Jupiter. 



DAPHNE. 

In the beautiful vale of Tempe, 
As the mythical legend ,goes. 
Beneath the heights of Olympus, 
Where the stream of Peneios flows. 
The beautiful Daphne, mild and good. 
Spent the days of her happy childhood. 

Fresh and fair as the earliest morning, 

She climbed the crags on high. 

To greet the first rays of the rising sun, 

As the fiery day-god passed her by ; 

She roamed as free as the lightning's wing. 

Light as the leaves of the genial spring. 

Other maidens around had spoke of her love, 

Of her free and untrammeled life ; 

But she would not yield to the voice of man, 

Tho' many had sought her for a wife, 

She prefered her happy home-life free, 

Rather than in wedlocks bonds to hampered be. 

One day as she stood on Ossa's slopes, 

In the glow of the early morn, 

The new-risen sun revealed the splendor 

Of a fair but glorious form ; 

'Twas Phoebus Appollo who ran to meet her, 

And did with this salutation greet her : — 

"I have found thee, child of the morning, 
And must claim thee for my bride ; 
From me thou can'st never escape, 
Nor in cliffs of the mountains hide ; 
I have sought thee long, maiden divine, 
And now I'm glad to make thee mine." 



DAPHNE. 297 

But the heart of Daphne was free and strong 
Her cheek flushing with anger, she said : 
**I know neither love nor galling bondage, 
And can never consent to be wed ; 
I live among my streams and hillsides free. 
And will never yield my freedom to thee." 

The face of Apollo' with anger grew dark, 

As he attempted this maiden to seize ; 

But swift as the wind she fled away, 

And light as the autumn's leaves. 

But nearer came Phoebus xA.pollo, till 

Her strength was exhausted, but not her will. 

She cried for help to the lady Demeter, 

But she came not to her aid ; 

With dizzy head and trembling limb. 

She was in her feebleness, sore afraid ; 

As she drew near the river of Thessaly's plain, 

She made one grand effort her freedom to gain. 

She almost felt the breath of Apollo; 

But with a cry piercing and wild. 

She dashed boldly into the stream, saying, 

"Father Peneios, receive thy child." 

Over her the waters did suddenly close, 

Making her safe from all her woes. 

*T have punished myself for my folly. 

In pursuing this maiden, he said, 

Who died for her home, pure air of freedom, 

Rather than Phoebus Apollo, to wed." 

''The light of the morning is taken away ; 

I must journey alone to the end of my day." 

While he spoke those words, a laurel sprang up 

Close by the bank of the stream. 

Where Daphne plunged in to evade pursuit; 

Thus closing the drama of life's dream. 

And this clustering bush on the banks are seen. 

To keep the name of Daphne forever green. 
Notes. — ''Daphne," a nymph beloved by Apollo, but who 

chose rather to drown herself than yield to his wishes. 
"Tempe," a valley of Thessaly, between Ossa and Pelion ; the 

most delightful spot on earth. 
"Phoebus," a name of Apollo, as god of the sun. 



298 PHAETON. 

PHAETON. 



In the golden house which Hephaistos had wrought 
In the Empyrean dome of the sky's blue vault, 
Helios, who had daily the skies' circle run, 
Saw none that was fairer than Phaeton his son : 
And no mortal children on the earth or sky. 
Could be matched with this son of Helios high. 
Being pampered and humored and petted beside, 

His heart was soon filled with an evil pride. 
He stood before the throne of Helios bright, 
Saying, ''Father, thou dwellest in the dazzling light, 
I am' thy child without either honor or fame." 
"By what deed shall I gain a glorious name?" 
"'By what great feat shall my laurels be won. 
As a token that I shall be known as your son ?" 
Then Helios bade him speak — to him did swear, 
That he would most assuredly grant his prayer. 

Phaeton said, "I will guide thy chariot for a day 

Thro' the heaven's, and the "Milky Way :" 

"Bid the Horai make ready the horses for me. 

When Eos spreads her melloWi light o'er land and sea." 

But the heart of Helios was filled with fear; 

He besought his son to retract his words, with many a tear. 

"Remember, bright Phaeton, thou art but mortal still ; 

The horses of Helios obey no earthly master's will." 

But Phaeton hearkened not, nor did his footsteps retard, 
To the dwelling of Horai that the fiery horses guard. 
"Make ready for me the chariot of Helios," he said, 
"For I this day plow the heavens in my father's stead." 
Forthwith the horses were harnessed to their chariot of fire, 
When Phaeton seized the reins, they dashed higher and higher, 
Thro' the heavens above — the cerulean blue ; 
Quick away past the constellations he flew. 

Soon the heart of Phaeton was filled with fear, 

While the reins in his grasp quivered ; it was clear 

He could no longer guide his team with a steady hand ; 

So they hurled him from the track near the Hesperian land. 



PHAETON. 299 

Down they plunged from their path in the heaven's do'mains, 

Till they drew near the earth's valleys and plains ; 

With the scorching heat, lurid flame besides, 

The trees and grass shriveled on the rich hillsides. 

The rivers soon vanished, clouds of vapor arose ; 
Smoke and fire from the depthe, o'er the hills did close ; 
Then in every land the sons of men were found 
Lying gasping and dying on the scorched ground. 
They looked tO' the sky, but the clouds came not ; 
Water in the founts and rivers, they vainly sought ; 
But the waters were dried by the scorching breath 
•Of Helios ; all in madness sought refuge in death. 

Zeus looked down from his Thessalian hills on high ; 
He saw that all living things on the earth must die 
Unless Phaeton should be smitten with Titanic force, 
'Because he drove his father's chariot out of its course. 
Then the mighty thunders were heard overhead, 
Which mourned for the clouds that were erstwhile dead ; 
The streams of lightning rushed forth upon Phaeton, that he 
Was borne from the blazing heavens, beneath the green sea. 

For the death of bright Phaeton, his sisters wept sore, 

While the 'daughters of Hesperus, upon the sea shore 

Built him a grand and magnificent tomb, 

That men might remember in all years to come, 

The valor and daring of Helios' son. 

Who failed to carry out what he had begun: ^ 

That the children of men should in after years tell. 

How Phaeton from his father's chariot fell ; 

But he lost not the glory which great daring brings, 

For his heart and his mind were set on great things. 

Notes. — ''Hephaistos," the Greek nam.e for Vulcan, who was 

a forger, the son of Juno, who because he was lame, was 

thrown from Mount Olympus. 
"Helios," the Greek name for the sun. 
"Phaeton," a son of Helios, who, in attempting to drive his 

father's chariot through the heavens for one day, failed, 

and was buried in the sea. 
"Horai," those marking the hours. 

Hesperus," son of Japetus and Asia ; the evening star. 
"Thessalian," one of the most beautiful hills of heaven. 
"Eos — Luna — The moon. 



300 TANTALUS. 

TANTALUS. 



Beneath the mighty rocks of Sipylos stood, 

The palace of Tantalus gleaming, 

With the blaze of gold and jewelry bright. 

As rays of the sunshine streaming; 

Its burnished roof glistened from afar. 

As the water's dancing rays; 

Its marble columns in purple hue, 

Were as bright as the sun-set blaze. 

Far and wide was known a mighty chief ; 

Great wisdom to him was given ; 

He came from a race of undying gods, 

In the Olympian mount of heaven. 

Zeus had given him power tO' see 

Hidden things of earth and air ; 

He beheld from' the great Olympian height, 

That his flocks were exceeding fair. 



^fe 



As the years rolled on, dark sayings spread, 

So the thread of the story trends. 

That the wisdom of Tantalus was turned to craft, 

And his power for ignoble ends. 

Men said he had like Prometheus sinned ; 

It was noised abroad that when 

At the banquet hall of the immortal gods. 

He had stolen food for men. 

Then came the day of vengeance, for Zeus bade 
Hermes to seek the Stygian shades, 
Bring back the form of the Pelop's child. 
From the shadowy kingdom of Hades. 
On Tantalus then was passed a sentence, 
Which should him forever torment ; 
In the gloomy region where wander ghosts, 
Was the ill-fated Tantalus sent. 

In a beautiful garden imprisoned he lay, 
Gazing on ripened fruits and flowers ; 
And laughing streams as they purled by, 
Through the never-ending hours ; 



TANTALUS. 301 

His tongue was parched, his limbs were faint, 
While hunger did his vitals seize ; 
Not a drop of water might cool his lips, 
Nor for a nTOment his agony ease. 

If he stretched forth his hand some fruit to take, 

Or from his position he bowed, 

The fountains of water would course away, 

As mists from the morning cloud. 

If he would reach forth golden apples to seize, 

The act was no sooner done, 

Than the luscious fruits would disappear. 

As the fogs in the morning sun. 

A ponderous great impending rock 

Was balanced over his head ; 

So he lived in perpetual terror and fear, 

In a state of continual dread. 

When the cup of pleasure is dashed from the lips 

Of his votaries who it adore. 

On them has fallen Tantalus' doom. 

And his sorrows forevermore. 

Moral : 

The avenging rod of justice overhangs 
Villains of high or low degree ; 
From an avenging Nemesis none can escape ; 
Justice will find you wher'er you be. - 
Beware ! beware of the impending rock 
That may suddenly crush you down ; 
Your golden fruit of happiness flee. 
To never again be recovered or found. 
Notes. — ''Tantalus," a king of Phrygia, son of Jupiter and 

father of Niobe. He was punished for his misdeeds. 
''Hermes," the Greek name for Mercury, messenger of the 

gods. 
"Stygian," belonging to the river Styx, in the lower regions. 
"Hades," the place of departed spirits, comprehending both 

Elysium and Tartarus. 
"Nemesis," The goddess of retributive justice. 
"Prometheus," having stolen fire from heaven, he was bound 
fast on Mount Caucasus, and tormented by a vulture which 
fed continually upon his liver. 



302 NIOBE. 

NIOBE. 



In the island of Delos, a long time ago, 

There lived fair Niobe, a creature of woe ; 

She had seven sons — seven daughters most fair ; 

None in all the land more beautiful were ; 

That lone rocky island the place of her birth, 

Seemed the most delectable spot upon earth. 

On the same island too 'tis sad to relate, 
A lady named Leto had two chilren great ; 
Beauteous Artemis — as the story doth go. 
While Phoebus Apollo was quick with the bow; 
The sweet voice of his harp such influence had, 
That the chilren of men were often made glad. 

But jealousy ever the precursor of wrong 
Sowed the seeds of discord which ripened ere long; 
When Niobe did boast of her children most fair, 
Leto, cunning and artful, set for them a snare : 
Apollo was angry — a dark cloud there came 
Flashing across his face — his eyes were a flame. 

He stretched forth the strings of his golden bow ; 

In an instant a quiver therefrom did go ; 

And son after son he smote down dead ; 

To each daughter's heart his arrows sped. 

"Go now make your boast, Apollo said. 

For your children all lie on the hillside, dead."* 

But a short time there after, Niobe found 

Her sons and daughters quite dead on the ground 

So one after the other she quickly did seek, 

And planted a kiss on each pale cold cheek ; 

And her tears fell down like the torrent's flow 

On her children dead as they all laid low. 

And she nevermore raised her head on high 
To look at the face of the clear-blue sky ; 
But she sat there disconsolate, weeping alone, 
Till she became cold as the gray rock stone ; 
For her heart beat no more, her spirit had fled ; 
There sat Niobe, pale, cold and dead ! 



HELLK. ^ 303 

In ages long after sat this lady alone ; 
For her form had changed to solid stone ; 
And the climbing mosses sat on her hair, 
For alone she sat, still weeping there; 
And there will she sit while ages remain, 
To weep for her children — Apollo had slain. 

Moral: 

You will see at a glance this story's not true ; 

Yet it contains a moral for me and you ; 

Of earthly possessions don't always boast; 

We know not what moment, the same may be lost ; 

Let not fierce jealousy reign in your heart, 

With malice and envy ; bid them depart. 
Notes. — ''Niobe," a daughter of Tantalus, who wept herself 

into a stone at the death of her children who were slain by 

Apollo. Cause — Jealousy. 
''Apollo," a deity of the Greeks and Romans, also god of 

medicine, archery and poetry. 
"Artemis," the Greek name of Diana. 

"Diana," twin sisters of Apollo, the protector of virginity. 
"Delectable," highly pleasing, delightful. 



HELLK 

Beneath the rush of the maddening wave, 
Or the current's rapid fiow. 
For centuries hath been a grave — 
Poor Halle sleeps in death below. 
The mighty waves and fleets that sail 
Over the Hellespont deep. 
Plowing the waves — totally fail 
To arouse her from her sleep. 

Poor distracted child of Ithamus ! 

In precipitate haste fled she 

From her step-mother, cruel, infamous ; 

Was drowned in the Pontic sea, 

To which she has ever given her name, 

In which she will still repose, 

So long as the nation's armaments sail ; 

And time's swift current flows. 



304 ORPHEU.S AND EURYDIKE. 

'Tis a misfortune for which there's no balm, 

To be a motherless child ; 

To endure the bufifetings that may come, 

Will oft drive the orphan wild. 

And heartless Ino causes grief 

For many a daughter now, 

Whose young life is spent in sorrow 

While misery decks her brow. 

Historic Hellespont, of wide renown, 
Over which doth proudly flow 
The commerce of the modern world, 
And that of nations long ago. 
When million ages yet shall roll — 
Great revolutions don't 
Disturb the slumbers of thy soul 
Beneath the Hellespont. 

If but a myth — yet our sympathy 

And compassion must we feel 

For thy sad fate, Oh, guileless Helle, 

And we scarcely can conceal 

Our indignation at the wrong that caused 

Thee from thy home to flee: 

But thy name will be remembered. 

Long- as flows the Pontic sea. 

NQ^gg — *'Helle," daughter of Athamus and Nephele. She 
fled from her step-mother, Ino, and was drowned in the 
Pontic sea — afterwards called the Hellespont, now Strait 
of Bosphorus. 



ORPHEUS AND EURYDIKE. 



In the pleasant valley of Thessaly, 

There once upon a time did live 

A musician famed, named Orpheus, 

Who did sweetest concerts give. 

He made fine music with his golden harp, 

Notating in tremulous strain 

Such songs as had never been head before. 

Nor would ever be heard again. 



ORPHEUS AND EUKYDIKE. 305 

Whenever Orpheus stopped to play, 
Inanimate nature far and near, 
Even the trees bowed down their heads, 
Paused for a moment his music to hear 
The clouds more gently sailed along. 
And the little rivulets sad, 
Made a softer and gentler noise, 
By his music being made glad. 

Orpheus had a wife called Eurydike 
Whom he regarded and loved dear ; 
When either winter or summer reigned, 
He sang his beautiful notes to her. 
''Eurydike sat on the grass by his side," 
While gathered the beasts around ; 
Being captured by his musical strains ; 
None sweeter on earth were found. 

While Eurydike played with some children, 
A thing unpleasant came to pass ; 
Along the verdant bank of the river. 
She was bit by a snake in the grass. 
She told the children to run for Orpheus ; 
Before his presence she espied, 
Altho' she loved him very dearly, 
She bowed down her head and died. 

Sad, indeed was poor Orpheus to know, 

The spirit of his wife had fled, 

Then the children gathered around him, 

And mourned for a mother dead. 

He felt so wretched, he nevermore played 

Upon his golden harp again. 

He never opened his lips to sing. 

One soft or musical strain. 

Orpheus alone on the river's bank sat ; 

No sound in nature him cheers ; 

The live-long day he pensively sat, 

His cheeks were diffused with tears. 

''I cannot longer stay here, Orpheus said. 

Nor without Eurydike remain; 

Perhaps the king of the land where she went. 

Will let her come back to me again." 



506 OKPHEUS AND EUKYDIKE. 

So he took his golden harp in his hand ; 

Went in pursuit of Eurydike gone, 

''Where the sun goes down in his golden cup," 

Before darkness of night comes on. 

He journeyed on far away from the place 

Where he had formerly been ; 

He came to a gate with great iron bars, 

So that nobody could get in. 

''It wias a wretched and gloomy place," 

"Because the sunshine never came there ;" 

Enveloped with fog's and clouds and mists, 

Akin to the regions. of despair. 

A monstrous dog was stationed on guard, 

His eye-balls like fire shone ; 

Three heads, six eyes, three awful mouths ; 

No such creature on earth was known. 

The dog, Cerberus raged, gnashed his teeth ; 

His growlings were fierce and deep ; 

Orpheus touched the strings of his golden harp, 

And he soon had him fast asleep. 

A massive gate opened its portals wide, 

Unto him who did swicetly sing; 

He passed the guards that stood by the door. 

Guarding the palace of the king. 

So he went on unto a great hall of the 

Palace, being unguarded, alone. 

Till he finally saw the king and queen. 

Seated on a high stately throne. 

"Who are you and how do you dare come 

Into this dark kingdom, he said : 

None are permitted to enter here 

Until after they are dead." 

Again Orpheus took up his golden harp ; 
Began most melodious strain, 
To please the king of this murky land, 
So he could see Eurydike again. 
"Tell me why you have entered here 
Without the king's express command. 
No living mortal in flesh can appear, 
In this gloomy, shadowy land." 



ORPHEUS AND EUKYDIKE. 307 

Then Orpheus mildly said to the king, 
"My heart is racked with pain ; 

give me back my dear Eurydike, 
To live with me on earth again." 

'T will in this instance grant your request ; 
"Take back your wife whom you love ; 
No' living voice hath sung so sweetly, 
From the land of the living above." 

But the king said, ''you cannot see her here ; 
But do not your steps retrace, 
Nor ever backward glance again, 
Until you reach earth's dwelling place ; 
If on your upward journey, you look back. 
You will ever have cause to mourn. 
Your wife will part suddenly from you. 
And once more enter my bourne." 

Orpheus went from the palace of the king, ^ 

Passing thro' the gateway dark ; 

But the monstrous hound, Cerberus, 

Did never once growl or bark. 

At last near the^land of living men. 

He saw a faint streak of light, 

"Where the sun was rising from the sea," — 

Rays golden, mellow and brig'ht. 

His hopes to pieces were suddenly dashed ; 

Ere he reached the solid ground, 

He unthinkingly had gazed back ; 

His wife sank as a shadow down. 

"He just saw something pale and white," 

A gentle voice he heard say : 

"I am thy own beloved Eurydike ;" 

She said as she suddenly melted away. 

"O Orpheus, why did you look back," 
In feeble voice and gentle strain, 
"I love you dearly and would be glad. 
To live with you on earth again : 
Because you broke A^our vow to the king, 
Ever wrecked is your cup of bliss ; 
And no matter how much I love you, 

1 cannot give you a parting kiss." 



308 "FATHER." 

Orpheus sat down at the place where 

His Eruydike was taken away; 

He felt miserable and wretched, 

As he sat there day after day. 

His body grew weaker and weaker, 

His cheeks became ghastly pale; 

He felt and knew that he soon must die. 

Pass down to the shadowy vale. 

''So at last he laid his head upon the earth," 
And, falling asleep, he died ; 
Left the bright earth with its sunny flowers, 
For the land on the other side. 
Then he hastened to meet his Eurydike ; 
In that faraway land remain, 
"Where the sun goes down in his golden cup" 
To be parted never again. 
js^Qtes : — ''Orpheus," a poet, musician and philosopher whose 

music was such that the rocks and trees followed him. 
"Eurydike," wife of Orpheus, who died, and to regain whom he 
'descended tO' the lower world, but he looked back and 
failed to return with her. 



POEMS 

Of an obituary character. These, with a change of* name, 
time, place and circumstance, may suit other parties or 
occasions. 

"FATHER." 



Our father has gone, and we bade him farewell, 

As the tears from our eyes on his coffin-lid fell ; 

His voice and his laughter, liis smile and his mirth, 

Forever are hushed — for he's passed from the earth. 

In the earth we placed him beneath the cold sod ; 

But we trust his spirit has gone up to God. 

No more are his cares, his sorrows, or fears, 

For he hath passed away in the ripeness of years. 

We, then, his children, all bade him good-bye ; 

And hope, when redeemed, to meet him on high. 

Yes, father was kind, we still hear his voice ; 

He brought us all up in the church of his choice ; 



' MOTHER." 309 

And when we had erred, as children oft will, 

It grieved the sad spirit of him who lies still. 

He taught us to walk in the straight narrow way ; 

And for such instruction, we thank God to-day. 

But like pilgrim weary, he laid his staff down, 

And burdens of sorrow, to take up a crown ; 

In the palace celestial, no longer to roam, 

In the kingdom above is his permanent home. 



"MOTHER." 

I used to love my dear mother 
As I sat upon her knee ; 
For upon earth there was no other 
That such a friend could be. 
But now I am sad and lonely. 
That she's taken from my side ; 
I'm robbed of earth's valued treasure. 
Since my dear mother died. 

She fondly clasped me in her arms 

In a loving, kind embrace ; 

For the smiles of heaven centered 

Upon her angel face. 

But my heart is bruised and broken, 

Since she's riven from my side ; 

But opened were the gates of heaven, 

When my dear mother died. 

Since affections bonds are severed. 

My grief I cannot tell ; 

For my heart was almost broken. 

When I said the last farewell. 

Mother, mother, can't you bless us? 

We must on earth abide. 

Till Ave're called in hea.ven to meet her, 

And stand by mother's side. 

Though this inanimate house of clay 
Be mingled with the sod. 
Her spirit dwells in brighter day, 
Where ransomed spirits trod. 



310 IN MEMORIAM. 

But I expect some day to meet her 
Be3'Ond the swelUng tide: 
Good guardian angel, guide us, 
Since our dear mother died. 

There's a m3'Sterious Providence 

Not given us to know, 

Why of best friends we are bereft ; 

Our hearts to bleed with woe. 

But God careth for His children, 

Whatever may betide; 

And we calmly wait the moment, 

When we stand at mother's side. 



IN MEMORIAM. 



Death came in an untimely hour; 
Our darling did viepart, 
And robbed us of the tender flower, 
That was wound around our heart. 
As her body low we did deposit, 
Beneath the green sward sod, 
We mourned for the departed spirit, 
That has winged its way to God. 

Our mansion now, oh, how lonely 
Without our beloved dear; 
But she was given to us only. 
To remain a short time here. 
But we look beyond death's portal, 
Beyond this vale of gloom. 
Where her spirit lives immortal, 
Beyond the silent tomb. 

But the sunshine of her presence 

From our home has passed away ; 

But in heaven we hope to meet her, 

Beyond this house of clay. 

Farewell then tender being of our heart. 

Who was called to go before ; 

We shall meet in heaven no more to part 

On that bright celestial shore. 



IMMORTALITY. 311 



Death came in an untimely hour ; 

Thy memory ever green, 

Shall not perish as the autumn flower. 

Where swift decay is seen. 

But the sweet amaranthine rose 

In heavenly fields to bloom, 

Shall mark thy spirit's calm repose, 

Bevond the silent tomb. 



IMMORTALITY. 



"I am the resurrection and the life." 

''The gift of God is enternal life." 

— From Bible. 
How truly blest the consolation, 
When we leave this vale of strife. 
There is a glorious resurrection : 
A renewed and endless life. 
This earthly tenement may moulder. 
Return to its kindred dust ; 
"But I shall live," saith my Red-emer, 
For I know in whom I trust. 

This epitaph ma}^ be truly written 

Of all the sons of men : 

''Dust thou art must to dust return ;" 

The spirit to its God again. 

We then have this blessed assurance, 

And it must great joy afford ; 

"The gift of God is eternal life 

Through Jesus Christ our Lord." 

The prince may sit enthroned in power 

In his palaces of art ; 

The king of terrors comes in evil hour 

Smites his victim to the heart. 

True wisdom is the greatest glorv. 

Of righteousness a crown ; 

Thus we shall be more than conqueror, 

When we lay life's battle down. 



312 CLOSING ODE. 

Religion true gives health and freedo: 
To the soul its only bliss. 
Why run riot in sensual pleasures 
In a transient world like this? 
But clad in bright robe immortal. 
Death can no summons bring, 
That will spread any fear or terroi', 
To the children of the king. 

Our immortal part will wing its way 

To our Redeemer's throne, 

In heavenly mansions there to stay, 

A crown of glory ow:n. 

This earth's tabernacle of clay, 

A house no longer stands ; 

We have a building of God on high, 

Not made with human hands." 



CLOSING ODE. VALE! 



In closing up this .little volume. 
Whatever fortune may it betide, 
If we have uttered, an ennobling thought, 
Instruction enforced, or a moral taught, 
We shall feel fully satisfied. 

The grandest memorial shafts we know, 
Erected to author or genius known, 
Are literature's lines that form a part. 
Written on the entablature of the heart ; 
Not those engraved on tables of stone. 

Our work so inauspitiously begun, 
In this our circumscribed sphere. 
Shall in the great future be carried on, 
After epochs of years have ceased to dawn. 
In the light of immortality clear. 

Poor is the reward of sycophant's praise. 
Received from the ignoble great ; 
But he whoi has given by word or deed, 
Lines of inspiration to make men heed, 
Has greatly improved their estate. 



"IS THERE ANYTHING NEW?" :313 

While we our work have imperfectly done, 

Do not the smaller minds despise ; 

A reward of honor his work will crown, 

Who never has dragged any mortals down, , ., 

But lent a hand to help them rise. 

We have raised aloft this standard, 

So that he who runs may read ; 

Let your aims be exalted and high ; i 

Let your Faith and Hope point tO' the sky ; 

Power is measured by each deed. 

Then be this poor inscription ours : 
From humble walks of life he came ; 
He scattered the seeds of truth abroad. 
Always feeling responsible unto God ; 
Caring not for ephemeral fame. 



'IS THERE ANYTHING NEW." 



What can we write that has not been already written? 

What can we say that has not been already said? / 

Where can we find the fount of originalit}^ 

So that we gain new ideas by tapping the fountain head ? 

There are fields of knowledge unexplored ; 

There will be wonders in new arts and science taught. 

There will be fresh and imperishable maxims. 

From literature's fields to our attention brought. 

Mankind tho' occupying advantageous post. 

Has in his scientific primer, just begun to learn ; 

He has the data for discovering new truths, 

To which, he in the future must his attention turn. 

Away with the adage — "Nothing new beneath the sun." 

The next thousand years have in their boundless store, 

New discoveries, new thoughts, new inventions, 

Till the great Cause shall stop and say — ''No more." 



314 A VISIT TO THE JOHNSTOWN CEMETERY. 

A VISIT TO THE JOHNSTOWN CEMETERY. 



Laid out one year before the great flood of 1889. This 
is a hustling and busy city hemmed in on the East and 
West sides by high mountains. There is an incline from 
the lower end of Vine street extending to the height above 
896^feet, and in the perpendicular 504 feet. Above is a 
beautiful plateau on which is situated this ''City of the 
dead." The following lines were suggested while stand- 
ing on the ground. 

Beautiful in its desolation, 
Stands this city of the dead, 
Who now repose in slumber deep, 
From whom the spark of life has fled. 
Those granite blocks and marble shafts, 
That rear their heads on high. 
Are silent monitors of the fact 
That mankind is born to die. 

The beautiful plotted greensward, 

Covers each silent head; 

And varied ornamental flowers, 

Beautify this city of the dead 
Reposing here the ''Great Unknown," 
Seven hundred mortals rest, 
Who shall sleep to the judgment day, 

None to call their memory blest. 

A mountain of waters high did roll ; 
Came down as a mig*hty wave, 
And those residing- on its pathway, 
Soon found a watery grave. 
And until Gabriel's trump shall sound, 
Those resting in slumber deep, 
Shall know no rude awakening. 
From their tranquil, peaceful sleep. 

Standing on this mountain plateau, . 
We behold the sculptor's art, 
In the many forms of statuary, 
Standing here and there apart. 



SING ME A SONG. 315 

While mother nature lends a charm 

To this monumental scene, 

Though many names may never be known, 

Their resting place is green. 

P^aseinating, lofty situation, 

Silent yet enchanted spot ! 

Where living mortals here may linger, 

Finding food for solemn thought. 

Let not hand of vandal desecrate, 

Or rudely tramp this sod, 

For it is kept forever sacred. 

By the watchful eye of G'od. 



S;iNG ME A SONG. 



Oh, sing me a song- of the good old time, 
Of the years departed long ago, 
When I as a youth was yet in my prime. 
And the wiles of the world didn't know. 

Whiles of the world didn't know. 

When my father and mother took me on their knee. 
Quite crudulous and innocent was I ; 
From temptations and trials I was free, 
But they came upon me later by and by. 
Later by and by. 

Retrospective memory will often wander back 
To the fountain clear and each familiar scene 
Companions we had then, we now do lack 
As a part of the things that have been. 

Things that have been. 

The family group and people we had known, 
Have in the course of human nature fled; 
Here rests a marble slab, on others but a stone 
To mark them in the city of the dead. 
City of the dead. 

Old times have passed away, all things are new 
Many passing wonders that are strange 
In the light of tlie present, we are living anew 
Yet we are constantly reminded of change. 
Reminded of change. 



316 BOSS RULE, TO-DAY. 

Sing me a song* of the good old home ; 
Our years are still hurriedly passing by ; 
To the same destination we all must come ; 
Earth secures the body, the spirit wafts on high. 
The spirit wafts on high. 

Let our songs and anthems be mingled with joy ; 
Our heart and our soul v/ith the fervor of love ; 
In remaining years may we our time employ, 
In preparing for the kingdom above. 

The kinofdom above. 



BOSS RULE, TO-DAY. 



As seen and carried out in our conventions. 

We used to be a Nation of Freemen 
When each could go the poll, 
Could for the people's candidates, 
Great vast majorities roll. 
Now Liberty's charter is a dead letter, 
Seldom used or covered with moss ; 
The citizen now is only permitted, 
To record the will of the "Boss." 

Our forefathers fought to freedom gain, 

From the tyrant's kingly rule ; 

The colonists to secure this end, 

Did their varied issues pool. 

When freedom dawned upon the horizon, 

Each poor citizen had his choice 

Of all candidates for rulers : 

His vote spoke with potent voice. 

Of late a new school has arisen. 
When former rights are taken away ; 
The ''machine" is the potent instrument. 
The poor voter has nothing to say. 
Down to hades the rule of the "Bosses," 
Down to perdition the cussed "machine 
The people will rise in their majesty, 
Sweep out the whole business clean. 



"GOLD BRICK." 317 

The "slates" are fixed for years ahead ; 
Down in an easy succession trends ; 
The voters are gulled with promise of office ; 
The voters are left — the procedure ne'er ends. 
To the rule of the king in princely crown, 
Will his millions of votaries bow ; 
But right here in the Keystone State, 
Things are not much better now. 

In this dirty cesspool of politics, 

The paid and unpaid retainers roll ; 

But "touch" a man with a roll of money, 

He can be purchased body and soul. 

The Bosses muster their purchased cohorts, 

Passing laws that are a curse ; 

Placing "Muzzlers" on the statute books, 

Than which could be nothing worse. 

Is this the age of degeneracy 

Of moral turpitude and crime? 

In this our boasted 20th century, 

Have we more venality than former time? 

Voters, arise to stern sense of duty. 

All foes of freedom can be met ! 

The chains are now somewhat galling, 

But you and I have some power yet. 



GOLD BRICK." 



From time immemorial for gain, 
Men have resorted to trickery and stealth, 
Not to increase their stock by rightful means. 
But to deprive others of their wealth, 
There are natural born educated sharpers 
That offer you a plan "to get you rich quick ;' 
"Steero Bunkers" schooled in knavery 
Sell the unsophistocated — the "Gold Brick." 

Men are graduated year after year. 
From modern universities and schools ; 
But yet this truth must plain appear, 
No course of trainino- teaches fools. 



818 NATIOXAL DECAY. 

The great guller feeds upon the gullible, 
With oiled tongue and perception quick, 
Will sell you a solid silver or gold mine, 
From his sample specimen "Gold Brick." 

That strangers are interested in your welfare, 

Or on pretense will make you gain, 

Is one of nature's contradictions ; 

To' expect such is absurd and vain. 

Some people will want something for nothing ; 

And when some scoundrel sleek, 

Offers to sell them some "Macerated Greenbacks," 

They are delighted with the "Gold Brick." 

The only genuine "Gold Brick" in the market, 
Is of dimensions solid 8x4x2 ; 
If you think of investing in some other. 
You will afterwards find time to rue. 
No man of honesty, brains or principle. 
Will adopt the method of "Get rich quick;" 
And throw away their hard-earned ducats. 
On some cuss who offers a "Gold Brick." 
Nlote: — This subject is too prosaic for poetry, so you had bet- 
ter read it between the lines in the natural way. 



NATIONAL DECAY.—E;. Pluribus Unum. 



'Righteousness exalteth a nation, but sin is a reproach to any 
people." 

As a nation whither are we drifting, 

Which course our national trend? 

Are we from "Law and order" deviating. 

Which must in final ruin end? 

On history's page we find examples of 

Disintegration and premature decay, 

That because of corruption and venality, 

Greatest of Old World's nations, 

Have passed forever from the scene away. 

Let us speak of ruined Troy and Carthage 
Of ancient Greece and Rome 
Stripped of their former power and splendor. 
Had almost to desolation come. 



NATIONAL DECAY. 319 

Why thus reduced to insignificance? 

Why have their arms and heraldry gone down? 

None so poor to do them reverence : 

Treated with derision Napoleon's "Iron Crown." 

That we are a strong- and prosperous nation, 

May be to-day our claim and boast ; 

We would not be too pessimistic, 

But great and princely kingdoms have been lost. 

Guarding and defending liberty is right, 

With a valliant arm and strong; 

But when liberty gives way to license 

We cannot tolerate the wrong. 

Rich and gigantic corporations 
With a heart of avarice and greed, 
Instead of conserving the Nation's morals, 
On reward of iniquity they leed ; 
And now their cheap ''Sunday excursions," 
Thus offering a premium on crime ; 
Oft destroying health, soul and morals, 
For both eternity and time. 

The path leading to greatness and to glorv, 
Over which our forefathers trod. 
Seems a highwa}^ now almost deserted ; 
And men have fallen from the grace of God. 
''Righteousness exalteth a nation ;" 
"A haughty spirit g'oeth before a fall;" 
But God's law remains unchangeable, 
As read in the history of nations all. 

Nations will be called before His judgment ; 
Revelation given will prove true ; 
Will be rewarded or be punished just 
As the supreme Judge will surely do. 
This nation "of, for and by the people" 
Should for a moment pause and read : 
"Nations will be weighed in the balance 
And found wanting." if they 
His righteous laws forget to heed. 



320 NATIONAL DECAY. 

We are the latest standing 'mong great nations 
The ''head and front" of privilege are ours ; 
We stand for popular rights and knowledge, 
As a beacon light to all earths powers. 
May we not in in wickedness grow hoary, 
Nor to depths of infamy go down ; 
But may saving grace and true glory, 
Prove our nation's shield and crown. 



BUILDING. 

In the world's beginning the buildings were rude, 

Constructed after no definite plan ; 

The deep forests of nature or the wild wood, 

Afforded shelter sufficient for man. 

His dwellings were hewn out of rocks, 

Or the cave beneath the hill-side. 

While the poor shepherd attended his flocks, 

Was a place for the tenants to hide. 

Moved away the dim past, a change is now seen. 

The lowly rude hut that was small. 

Has vanished away like things that have been; 

Is succeeded by the edifice tall. 

Furnished by art is the scraper of sky. 

By most modern methods is built. 

Where the millionaire sits in his of^ce on high. 

While handling his securities gilt. 

He talks to his agents all over the earth. 

To know whether a rise or a fall 

Has increased or lessened the worth. 

Of his gilt-edged securities all. 

The cablegram speaks from the depths of the se:^, 

Receiving "puts" and "calls" from each zone ; 

More powerful than any king is he. 

To-day the world his tribute must own. 

There is a character we must live. 
By this to the world be known ; 
It to our lives a luster must give, 
Alore brighter than the polished stone. 



BUILDING. 321 

Then lay we our foundations broad and deep, 
Correspond to the plummet and square, 
So that this building- in beauty we keep. 
Also in proportion true and fair. 

There is a futurity we must live 

A day in which we render accounts 

A day in which our probity will survive 

Be balanced our ledger's amounts. 

It pays to build your foundation's well, 

So that the superstructure sure, 

Will on the future ages tell. 

And for an eternity endure. 

The most beautiful building erected here, 

In majesty stood the Parthenon; 

Has begun to crumble and disappear, 

After surviving tAventy centuries gone. 

Thus will perish the architectural glory, 

Upon which the Grecian nation looked with pride, 

Its beautiful columns of white marble. 

Can no longer its inward defects hide. 

The famous cathedral imposing grand, 

Is the cyncosure of each passing eye. 

In which the busy world a moment can stand, 

Casting thoughts from earth to the sky. 

What after all is the world with its cares, 
If no portion of heaven we own? 
Our millions of bankstock are trifling affairs, 
To a footstool before the white throne. 



The most beautiful building which we conceive. 

Is the eternal home of the soul. 

Where no trouble can cause us to grieve. 

While the cycles of ages do roll. 

The grand architect of the universe, 

Whose glories are known abroad, 

Has built with more skill than human hands, 

Our home in the kingdom of God. 

Dec. 8, 1902. 



322 NEW YEAR'S PAUSE. 

NEW YEAR'S PAUSE. 



*Ye have not passed this way heretofore." 

Joshua 3-4 

Fellow pilgrim on life's journey, 
Passing- thro' this vale of tears, 
Whether you stand in life's morning. 
Or in its declining years. 
The fact stands out in bold relief, 
To the wayfarer distinctly plain ; 
Whether you have seen much joy or gric; 
You will not pass this way again. 

You may be poor, rich or prominent, 
Have great honors on you shown ; 
Or you may be a common mortal, 
To the world wholly unknown. 
This sacred truth divinely given. 
As you're passing your journey o'er, 
Follow close the ark of mercy ; 
"Ye have not passed this way before." 

The year departing, leaves forever ; 
Passed away beyond the flood ; _ 

Passed the human stream of creatures, 
Who, in varied circumstances stood, 
Time's rapid tide is ever flowing: 
Nought that is earthly can remain ; 
Change is on all indelibly written ; 
You will not pass this way again. 

God's constellations move forever ; 
We see their swiftly moving train ; 
In the hegira of succeeding ages 
Those orbs will all appear again. 
The man of clay puts on the immortal ; 
The soul and body rent in twain, 
Must asrain be reunited. 
You will not pass this way again. 

Why not then make the most of life ; 
The present moment's only thine ; 
Walk then worthy of your vocation, 
And not for wasted hours repine ; 



THE PICTURE. 323 

You must be something and do something; 
Spend not life's sacred hours in vain ; 
Be your path strewn with thorns or roses, 
You will not pass this way again. 

This simple lesson's full of instruction ; 
Contains some wisdom furthermore. 
You may soon view the promised land ; 
''Ye have not gone this way heretofore." 
The everlasting truth is written ; 
God's own fingers make it plain ; 
Bound for whatever 'situation, 
You will not pass this way again. 

Jan. 9, 1903.. 



THE PICTURE'^"That's Not Turned Toward the Wall. 



A Parody. 



Far from the grand old city, 
Its turmoil and its strife, 
There once lived in a cottage, 
The idol of my life. 
But years ago she left me, 
Her memory I recall ; 
Close by the parlor window. 
Is a picture on the wall. 

Ah, how these eyes will moisten, 
The burning tear-drops start. 
When I gaze at this picture, 
And press it to my heart. 
But the spirit now departed, 
I can nevermore recall ; 
Then forgive me if I worship. 
This picture on the wall. 

In the corner of a graveyard, 

There stands a lonely mound. 

Where often I revisit, 

For it is hallowed ground. 

But in this heart there's hidden. 

Hours that I can't recall ; 

Her saddened eyes still greet me. 

From this picture on the wall. 



324 EXCUSES WON'T GO. 

Many years have fled as shadows, 

Since she has sought her rest ; 

But now she dwelleth with the angels, 

In the city of the blest. 

In my heart there still remaineth, 

Her gentle image tall ; 

Her memory cannot perish, 

While her picture's on the wall. 

Why must there be separation. 

In this vale of woe and strife? 

Why be deprived of lovely beings, 

The dearest to our life? 

But these things we cannot reason, 

Cast o'er our lives a pall ; 

But we still hold an object dear — = 

This picture on the wall. 

There must come a time to meet her 

In the coming by-and-by ; 

I shall be so glad to greet her. 

Love beaming in her eye. 

In the mean time I must wander, 

Until at last I fall ; 

I shall meet her over yonder 

Where no picture's on the wall. 

So far from the bustling city, 
There's a precious little lot. 
That I often strew with flowers. 
That can never be forgot. 
For beneath it rests the bosom, 
Whose throbbings I recall ; 
Then forgive me if I worship. 
This picture on the wall. 



EXCUSES WON'T GO. 



In this busy world of ours, 
In the ebb-tide and the flow, 
In the pursuit of business, 
Excuses do not go. 



EXCUSES WON'T GO. 325 



In this our sphere of motion, 
Forward, backward, to and fro, 
Fewer excuses are the better, 
For excuses will not eo. 



fe' 



There are people in this world. 
Who somebody always owe. 
Can we make them pay their debt? 
That's something wt can't do. 
This excusing means accusing; 
It is always well to know 
Promptness in paying is a duty, 
For excuses will not go. 

The men on whom we can't rely. 
We should to others show ; 
A brand should be placed upon them, 
That all the world should know. 
The excuseful man's a liar, 
As will the records show ; 
He always remains a debtor — 
His excuses will not go. 

The true ring makes knowm the metal, 

Be it gold or silver bit ; 

But spurned is by all mankind, 

The worthless counterfeit. 

The man of many excuses 

Who keeps this stock in trade. 

Will his numerous obligations, 

Try at all times to evade. 

The world has marked him for a "puppy,' 
He's placed on the "dead-beat" list, 
When he moves to another town. 
He is not badly missed. 
Such people should keep moving; 
Their traits the people know; 
Excuses cannot pass for current coin. 
For excuses will not go. 

This simple subject may amuse. 
Yet its truth is very clear, 
As the shining sun at noonday, 
Continuing the whole year. 



326 NEW VERSION OF ''AMERICA. 

You hereby can learn a lesson — 
Which I attempt to show; 
Do not come at me with excuses, 
For excuses will not go. 



NEW VERSION OF "AMERICA.'' 



America, land of my birth, 

My heart goes out to thee ; 

The dearest places on this earth, 

Are thy free vales to me. 

Her hallowed sod's the gift of God, 

Pure is her native air: 

I love the land our fathers trod, 

I love her skies so fair. 

I love her starry flag and bright. 
In times of war or peace, 
Her radiant stars are my delight. 
Shall evermore increase. 
Forever let -this standard fly, 
'Neath skies of sunny blue ; 
Her stars symbols of heaven high. 
In hearts so brave and true. 

I love our Union as it stands 

From lakes to further shore. 

Where all can join with willing hands, 

To preserve it evermore. 

For this grand noble heritage. 

Our father's gift of love. 

We'll render thanks from age to age. 

And praise the Lord above. 

On Thee, our father's gracious God 

We would henceforth rely. 

Whose presence fills the earth abroad 

Whose glory fills the sky. 

We consecrate our sacred all, 

Nor shall our praises cease. 

To Him who guards us lest we fall, 

Whose reign is love and peace. 



SONG. 327 

SONG— "When You and I Were Boys." 



Dedicated to the older class of boys by the Author, Chas. Kane. 

Full many years have passed since prime, 
Replete with youthful jo3^s ; 
But I remember well the time 
When you and I were boys. 

Chorus — But I remember well the time — 
When you and I were boys. 

We caught the minnow in the brook, 
Were full of life and noise ; 
At night the best of sleep we took 
When you and I were boys. 

Chorus — But I remember well the time — 

We had a lot of playthings grand, 
Balls, bats and other toys; 
We life enjoyed as boys only can 
When you and I were boys. 

Chorus — But I remember well the time — 

We had few troubles, pressing cares, 
Knew not deep grief's alloys ; 
Youth to manhood passed unawares 
When you and I were boys. 

Chorus — But I remember well the time — 

But now in manhood vv^e stand alone. 
Stern work our time employs ; 
We had the truest happiness known 
When you and I were boys. 

Chorus — But I remember well the time — 

But now we move down life's decline, 
True manhood has its joys ; 
But we can never forget the time 
When you and I were boys. 

Chorus — But I remember well the time — 



328 BLEST LAND OF OUR FATHERS. 

Have we fame or honor gained sublime 
Earth's passing- gaudy toys? 
Our joys were best in the olden time, 
When you and I were boys. 

Chorus — But I remember well the time — 

Boys youthful pranks are scarce a crime ;- 
This whoop, hurrah and noise 
Remind us forcibly of the time, 
When you and I were boys. 

Chorus — But I remember well the time — 

As we retire to take a rest. 

Bright visions will arise, 

When we think of the morn more blest, 

When you and I were boys. 

Chorus — But I remember well the time — 

Good-bye, old chums of former years, 
If we meet on earth no more 
In land more blest where is no tears, 
We'll meet on the other shore. 

Chorus — But I remember well the time — 



BLEST LAND OF OUR FATHERS. 



An imitation of Palestine — By Whittier. 

Blest land of our fathers, thrice hallowed by song, 
The fair land of promise that now has grown strong ; 
'Neath the shades of thy oaks by the shores of thy se:., 
On thy hills clad in beauty my soul is with thee. 

Methinks I now stand on that bleak desert shore 
Where the pilgrims once stood for the love which they bore 
For that freedom to worship the only true God, 
A rude temple they built and hallowed the sod. 

My heart and my soul in amazement are lost 
When my thoughts revert back to New England's drear coast, 
And survey the broad empire that upward has sprung. 
When a nation was born, when freedom was young. 



BLEST LAND OF OUR FATHERS. 329 

Tho' three hundred years, past we still must revere 

The foundation of Freedom then planted here, 

The aborigines gathered in council sat down; 

For the pale face had come to possess the wild ground. 

Large forests have yielded to landscapes of green, 
Where are forms of beauty and loveliness seen ; 
And now a vast empire as a queen sitting we 
Behold from the lakes to the gulf, embracing each sea. 

Hark, the sounds in the valleys, manufactories strong 
On the banks of our rivers are seated along 
Where the poor Indian strove with the white man in vain, 
Till the torrents grew red with the blood of the slain. 

There exist the same hills where the war-whoop was rang, 
And the song of the Indian in defiance he sang; 
■But lo, he has fallen in his barbarous pride, 
The once desolate hills wear the garb of a bride. 

Now civilization before me is seen. 
Where the schools of the people in prospect serene 
Are hailed as the triumphs of learning and art, 
Where intelligence reigns and freedom has part. 

I stand now where the way-faring pioneer stood. 
Where he raised up a banner unto the true God : 
And the wild dells in praise did upward resound. 
For Jehovah's great blessing did with them abound. 

It was here with his flock the sad minister came 

For freedom to worship from fagot and flame; 

It was here toleration had a new birth, 

The clear sunshine of freedom enlightened the earth. 

Enthroned on her hills sits proud freedom as yet, 
With no dust on her forehead, nor chains on her feet. 
On each hill and each vale hath she builded her shrine. 
In each citizen's heart is her altar divine. 

Not as bond-slaves in terror we now behold men, 
For freedom once banished is with us again ; 
This glorious Republic, now clasping each sea, 
Proclaims to the world mankind must be free. 



330 RUSSIA'S MASSACRE OF THE JEWS. 

Tho' we may not endure what our forefathers stood, 
Nor our hearts be distressed by deep anguish and blood, 
Let our hearts be elated in sending up prayer, 
That we own this good land as our heritage fair. 

Let us pray to the Father that this favored land, 
(Who each nation's destiny holds in His hand,) 
That His love and His care be the same even now, 
As removed woe and distress from the pioneer's brow. 

May her glory shine forth as a mountain aflame ; 
On all nations be shed the bright rays of the same, 
Till the sun and the moon and the stars in the sky. 
Shall reflect the glad light from the firmament high. 

The illustrious past stands in glory secure ; 
May her triumphs now peaceful always endure. 
Unchanged, undecaying, unfettered and free: 
My heart beats thy measure, my soul is Avith thee. 



RUSSIA'S MASSACRE OF THE JEWS 



Great tragedies are placed on record. 
With crime deluged has been our earth ; 
"Ossa on Pelion" — mountains of inhumanity. 
From Time's recorded earliest birth. 
jit was presumed that Christian civilization. 
To mankind its greatest boons had brought ; 
That nations living in the shadow of darkness. 
Had great living truths been taught. 

That true respect for rights of others. 
Had been incorporated into creed ; 
That all portions of mankind are benefited, 
Who its sublime lessons heed. 
Racial prejudice, jealousy, superstition, 
Still show their treacherous hand ; 
While murder vile and persecution. 
Are carried on in Russian land. 

"Oh bloodiest picture in the Book of Time" 

But must it be recorded yet 

'Sarmatia fell unwept without a crime" 

The unpretentious Jew a sterner fate has met. 



RUSSIA'S MASSACRE OF THE JEWS. 331 

The great and mighty Empire of the East, 
From which we expected better things. 
Revels in blood and human gore, 
Which from debasing passion springs. 

''What has Paul the prisoner done" 

Has been frequently asked and written? 

The peaceful Jew has been guilty of what crime 

That he should be mercilessly smitten? 

He is an industrious plodding creature, 

Of whatever place or Nation known ; 

To wantonly despoil or injure others, 

By the better class is never done. 

He has been from early times the child of pophecy, 
In whatever nation his abode — 
That Nation has been civilized and elevated; 
To him was first given the Oracles of God, 
The older prophecy has been in him fulfilled ; 
He has been civilization's pioneer; 
Through him all Nations have been blessed. 
In Eastern Continents or in our Western sphere. 

God has raised and kept him for a purpose, 
In this world he no crowned head may own ; 
Yet he is a grand and potent factor, 
Whether in finance, or arts or science known 
Six thousand years should mold the character, 
Of ignoble tribes however base; 
Should practice truths taught by the Galilean 
That would uplift the human race. 

We can excuse the dread barbarities 
Of nearly two thousand years ago, 
When upon the cross they raised the Saviour; 
In that dark age they did not better know. 
Murder cries for an avenging nemesis ; 
It's but a prelude of decay and rust, 
Such as happened Nations of Antiquity, 
Whose great cities lie moldering in the dust. 



332 A SONG OF THE HEN. 

Stop this dread carnage, Turk or Russian ! 
Arouse from your barbarities deep ! 
An account of your cruel atrocities, 
An avenging Judge will surely keep. 
Pray do not repeat the bloody chapters 
Of the darkest epoch of past time ; 
Nations will be called to an accounting, 
That gloat in revolting tyranny or crime. 



A SONG OF THE. HEN. 



Translated from the hen language — By Hen-y-Gr. 

When the hen is a singing 
With notes distinct and clear, 
She then is full of happiness, 
Her heart is full of cheer. 

Chorus — The happiness of the hen — 

Is greater than some men 

Or women that I know ; 

With a long distended neck, 

For every grain she gives a peck ; 

They sometimes fight and crow. 

She has no regard for holidays ; 
Does of her owner beg 
Good corn or oats or something else, 
To lay her golden egg. 

Chorus — The happiness of the hen — 

When she gets cross and gruffy, 
Begins to pick and scratch. 
It is certain indication, 
She soon intends to hatch. 

Chorus — The happiness of the hen — 

The mother hen of nine or ten, 

Keeps watching o'er her brood ; 

No living mother in the land, 

Is to her flock so good. 

Chorus — The happiness of the hen — 



FUTILITY OF WRITING. 333 

I wish I had a piece of hen, 
Or chicken, if you please; 
I often have an appetite, 
For just such things as these. 

Chorus — The happiness of the hen — ; 

They frequently will indulge 

In little squabbles small, 

Just like some men and women do ; 

And now I've told you all. 

Chorus — The happiness of the hen — 

Sept. 8, 1902. 



FUTILITY OF WRITING. 



Why people will indulge in writing, 
I ne'er can understand. 
Only one in ten thousand. 
Can fame or wealth command. 
Nature is not lavish in her gifts ; 
This truth will still prevail : 
Where one genius may succeed, 
Ten thousand writers fail. 

The newsboy or the rag-picker, 

May some means accumulate; 

But the undesirable scribbler, 

Has a much poorer fate. 

If mother nature hasn't endowed you 

With power to excel. 

You never can reach the lofty heights 

Of those who would do well. 

It is a psychological mania, 

Which they suffer and endure. 

Which neither art of man or medicine. 

Can effect a perfect cure 

What some others have accomplished. 

By fortune's favorites done. 

Cannot be carried out by many, 

Nor can their prize be won. 



334 FUTILITY OF WRITING. 

The only excuse for writing- 
Is subject to this view, 
The world gets tired of older things 
And relishes something new. 
So that if you can influence 
The hearts of passing men, 
You need not the brain of a Shakespeare, 
Or a Milton's trenchant pen. 

We of the thousand imitators 

Of old time bookly lore, 

Can not coin, phrases any better. 

Than done a thousand times before. 

You may not be a soaring eagle 

On literature's height; 

If your thoughts are worth repeating, 

You have an excuse to Vv^rite. 

Though we may court the muses, 
Worship at the Grace's shrine. 
The public has this privilege, 
May or may not read a line. 
The world is full of discouragements. 
Few will for your welfare care ; 
Thus we state the truth quite plainly, 
Because we have been "there." 

In this practical age of ours, 
In the race of wealth and greed, 
The man of sickly sentiment, 
The world does not need, 
But if you must your attention 
To writing letters turn, 
Read, revise and read again; 
Or better still to burn. 

Good writing as a part of education, 
Has a grand and noble use; 
It is also a fine recreation. 
May profit and amuse. 
I have this subject plainly written; 
Let it for the present rest ; 
Experience on this line will aid you 
In deciding what is best. 



WHAT IS HOME WITHOUT A DOLLAR? 335 

When a hundred editors snub you, 
Call your writing doggerel ; 
''Respectfully declined" — "without merit." 
You wish the editors were in h — 1. 
Good writing is not out of date ; 
The poet's art is sublime ; 
If your brain can coin the genuine stufif, 
Ycur reward ^\lll come in time. 



WHAT IS HOME WITHOUT A DOLLAR? 



With apology to the author of — What is Home Without a 
Mother? 

What is home without a dollar 
When the hungry children meet 
When they have neither shirt nor collar, 
Nor shoes upon their feet? 
Sure such existence must be drear, 
To those who are quite young, 
Who live without life's needed cheer, 
Nor yet a tuneful song. 

What's home without the wherewithal 
Relieving want's distress, 
Granting needed pleasures unto all, 
Life in a measure bless? 
Our life's beginning with its years, 
Deserves much better fate ; 
Maturer age will bring its tears, 
To each in mortal state. 

Younger hearts should not have sorrow, 

But joy should have full sway ; 

The years of youth with each to-morrow, 

Will quickly pass away. 

Dark should not be time of childhood. 

With unwonted' cares and grief ; 

But life should be in happier mood, 

For youth at best is brief. 



336 THE BEAUTIFUL GATE. 

Few families in our favored land, 
Who by exercising care, 
But can have money in each hand 
And yet have some to spare. 
Do not let the happy children, 
Taste bitter fruit full soon ; 
Childhood's bright auspicious morn, 
Should brilliant be as noon. 

The evil habits some men pursue, 

Are grievous to be borne ; 

Life has a clear enchanted view. 

If men only to it turn. 

That there is evil in the world 

To which all men are prone 

Is true — men to it are not forced. 

They can let it alone. 

I would not be a child indeed, 
In a sad neglected home, 
Except my fate was such decreed. 
Where youths' pleasures do not come. 
If there's on earth a cheery spot. 
That's freed from w^ant and sins. 
It should be childhood's happy lot, 
Where existence first begins. 



THE BEIAUTIFUL GATE. 

Acts 3 :i-io. 

There's many a beautiful gate in life. 

Standing for you and me ajar; 

By the gate of Hope we can pass through. 

To a kingdom that is afar, 

The gates of Character and of Love, 

We should always keep in repair ; 

But the Beautiful gate to eternal life, 

Must be always kept open by prayer. 

The Beautiful gate that we call Faith, 
May be by mortal eyes unseen ; 
But some day will the veil be removed, 
When we can see wdth vision clean. 



"SIClMUNDI GLORIA TRANSIT." 337 

The holy spirit works in the soul of all 
Who will willingly let him in ; 
We must pass by gates leading to death, 
If we a victor's crown would win. 

We have this gracious blessed assurance 
When we lay life and its burdens down, 
Hope's beautiful gate will open wide; 
By faith we will win the crown. 
The road of Holiness we must keep, 
God's providence cheerfully bear ; 
Admission to the kingdom of heaven, 
Is through the Beautiful gate of Prayer. 

The gates of Charity, Love and Faith, 
Stand open to every one, 
Who shuns the dismal gates of death, 
Who has conqueror's garlands won. 
When we lay our earthly burdens down, 
Bid farewell to our scenes of strife 
The Savior we love is the Beautiful gate, 
The gate of eternal life. 

Feb. 8, 1903. 



'SIC MUNDI GLORIA TRANSIT.' 



The good old days have past and gone, 
"A stranger fills the Stuart's throne ;" 
Queen Victoria has laid scepter down. 
And Edward wears the empire's crown. 
While revolutions still go on, 
The morn of peace begins to dawn, 
The Kaiser, self-important cuss. 
May sometimes feel like threshing us. 

The Russian autocrat's on the throne, 
In whose country freedom is unknown 
And wretched Poland still must feel 
The full weight of the tyrant's heel 
Time's history must this story tell : 
"Freedom wept when Koschiusko fell." 
While military pomp and power. 
Controls the field and rules the hour. 



338 ANSWER TO -^' TOGETHER." 

The Sultan still sits on the Bosphorus, 
Whose subjects are kicking up a muss, 
We still hear the Macedonian cry — 
"Help us gain freedom or we die" 
In Europe the crescent should have no pla<' 
Which is civilization's great disgrace, 
"The Isles of Greece — the Isles of Greece " 
Contentment enjoy, a measure of peace. 

The Boers did to the sword appeal, 
But fell before the British steel ; 
They waged a brave war for their state 
But fell — deserving a better fate. 
While Venezuela's strong blockade. 
Has shut her in and stopped her trade. 
A nation like an individual may 
Contract debts and be forced to pay. 

Looking round at home this ocean's side, 

Prosperity's the National tide, 

A Roosevelt sits in the President's cliai-, 

And Grover Cleveland is — somewhere -- 

And Billy Bryan dofTs his hat ; 

The "cross of gold" has laid him flat, 

And Uncle Sam with flag unfurled, 

Dictates his message to the world. 



ANSWER TO— "together; 



By Alfred Austin. 

"Now let us give one hearty grip 
As by true men is given. 
And vow fraternal fellowship 
That never shall be riven." 

O, Albion thou wert our mother, 
Yet we scarce could call thee good ; 
But in this latter age of ours. 
We would not kindle any feud. 
Once proud mistress of the ocean, 
Thy keels sought every clime ; 
And the nations owned thy scepter, 
And thy mighty power sublime. 




GROVER CLEVELAND, 



AKSWER TO— "TOGETHER" 339 

Yet thy hand was that of the tyrant ; 
Instead of freedom, vassalage ; 
So that thy ermine was soiled and blotted, 
As reads the past historic page. 
While freedom's fires slightly burned, 
Thou didst come in martial tread, 
To quench the flame of Liberty, 
Reposing in ashes almost dead. 

So that for freedom, we can't thank thee, 

Nor our institutions, now, 

Nor America, thy rich jewel, 

That was torn from the regal brow. 

Later we had to fight — "impressment" 

Upon the sea's highway ; 

Against thy demands so arbitrary, 

Against thy disputed sway. 

Since we are strong and powerful. 

Thy friendship has stronger grown ; 

But in the time we needed help. 

Thy sympathy was unknown. 

We would not now despise thy friendship, 

Tho' it kindly offered be ; 

We will accept the clasp of friendship, 

To us extended across the sea. 

A community of interests we own, 
Which must by treaty's terms abide ; 
Inherent rights due each other, 
Must never be set aside. 
Long may America and Great Britain, 
Earth's defenseless peoples shield; 
May one's victories help the other, 
In the grand trophies that they yield. 

Work for both there is abundance. 

O'er earth true freedom spread ; 

Neither in the work shall pause or linger, 

But both will forge their way ahead. 

The two, glorious civilizations, 

Must arouse the earth around ; 

As neighbors in earth's amelioration. 

May they still be together found. Jan. 3, 1902 



,340 A TRIBUTE TO THE LATE PRESIDENT, WM. M'KINLEY. 

A tribute; to the late president, 

WM. M'KINLEY. 



Who was slain by the hand of an assassin, Sept. 6th, 1901, 

''The beauty of Israel is slain" — 
''How are the mighty fallen." 

26. Sam. I. 

The nation once more is cast into mourning, 
The shadow of gdoom hangs like a pall, 
O'er the length and breadth of the land, 
Such as history cannot recall, 
Our President slain by a cruel fiend. 
Being suddenly stricken down, 
From the responsible place of power. 
From the office of high renown. 

Caesar had his Brutus, we read, 
But since then the annals of time. 
Have not furnished another example. 
Of such wanton wickedness and crime. 
"The beauty of Israel is slain," 
A man of the people, kind was he ; 
From the shafts of partisan- calumny. 
He stood in his grandeur free. 

No longer the free soil of America, 
Shall be made the dumping ground. 
For every wretched abettor of treason, 
Who are of mental caliber unsound. 
Our land cannot such villains harbor. 
Who by vile methods would employ. 
Assassination and vile anarchy. 
Any nations officials to destroy. 

Our nation mourns its third President, 

Slain by the assassin's hand ; 

We trust there may not arise another, 

To disgrace fair freedom's land. 

Beloved by every quarter of the nation, 

No' sectional lines he knew ; 

As a patriot with deep sense ot honor, 

He stands a lover of his country true. 




WILLIAM McKINLEY. 



LINES. 341 



Our nation like the house upon the rock, 
Still continues to stand ; 
Its power cannot be undermined, 
By any foul assassin's hand. 
Anarchy here cannot be tolerated : 
We trust that never a ruler more, 
Shall thus perish by an assassin's hand. 
On ours, or any other shore. 

Our beloved President lies to-day, 

Amidst deep sepulchral gloom ; 

But the great heart of the American nation, 

Has followed him to his tomb. 

Place on his brow the immortelle ; 

Deep silence strikes the tongue 

Of him who loved his country well. 

And never did her wrong. 



Sept. 20, 1901, 



LINES. 



Suggested by Pres. McKinley's leaving the Capitol at Wash- 
ington to go and wait at the bedside of his dying mother. 

I must gO' home to see my mother. 
Ere her spirit passes away; 
To press a kiss on the pallid cheek, 
Of the almost lifeless clay. 

I must go home to see my mother ; 
No duty can keep me here, 
To see once more the dying form. 
Of my good old mother dear. 

She was to him a loving mother, 
As ever on earth was seen ; 
Though of no royal lineage, 
She was, indeed, a queen. 

Chorus — I must go home to see my mother. 



342 WHAT IS THE GREATEST GOOD. 

Her life was lovingly devoted, 

To the welfare of her son ; 

He treasured up her words of wisdom, 

Before he had honors won. 

Chorus. — I must go home to see my mother. 

There was a joyful recognition, 
By the mother of her son ; 
Her spirit burst earth's ties asunder, 
And the interview was done. 

Chorus. — I must go home to see my mother. 

The President by his mother stood, 
Beside the death-clad bier; 
He pressed a kiss on the pallid cheek, 
Then silently shed the tear. 

Chorus. — I must go home to see my mother. 

A virtuous and noble mother. 

We in this verse relate ; 

For whom the President deeply mourned, 

Although a ruler great. 

Chorus. — I must go home to see my mother. 

Dec. 27th, 1897. 



WHAT IS THE GREATEST GOOD. 



Versified in part from an article in the ''New York Tribune' 
Dec. 8, 1897. 

The question is often asked — not understood, 

What constitutes the greatest good. 

On this our earthly sphere? 

What shall we do where shall we go. 

So that in a measure we may know, 

The fount of goodness springing here? 



WHAT IS THE GREATEST GOOD. 343 

The worldly seeker after wealth, 
Who at the expense of morals, health, 
This glittering prize may gain : 
May answer this of life's the best, 
Abjuring worldly things the rest, 
To thus my utmost wish attain. 

The scientific man may find, 
Problems abstruse to vex the mind ; 
The politician seek for power; 
Yet none of these will constitute, 
The greatest good all minds to suit, 
Nor be a suf^cient dower. 

There's an opportunity to fulfill, 
The law supreme our Master's will. 
To act sincerely and believe. 
The law of love should reign supreme. 
Above all worldly cares or scheme, — 
"To give is more blessed than receive." 

Let the worldling pause in his affairs, 
Ambitious, soul-consuming cares, 
Which have taken such hold ; 
Stop, consider and contemplate ; 
On no goddess of fortune wait. 
Nor yet sell your soul for gold. 

Working for others whom we love, 

Is joy supreme all good above. 

Does the Christian law fulfill ; 

To make the world's lowly glad. 

To cheer and brighten those that's sad, 

Is doing our master's will. 

Let us all aim to be sincere, 
Useful workers in our sphere. 
Not with vain show or pride ; 
We may progress in higher things, 
From which our truest blessing springs, 
And in this higher realm abide. 



344 FEANCIS SCOTT KEY. 

Then let us forward, upward reach ; 
There's an extensive field for each, 
In which he much good may do ; 
By helping others, yourself may bless, 
Go quietly, relieve distress ; 
This is religion, pure and true. 



FRANCIS SCOTT KEY. 



''Author of the Star-spangled Banner." 

TO' the fame of a man who wrote but one song, 

Whose life is oft told in story. 

Is a monument raised in his Maryland home. 

And his name carved on in glory. 

It was the "Star-spangled Banner" he wrote, 

That in morning did float o'er the sea. 

Flaunting defiance to Britain's great fleet; - 

But our author was Francis Scott Key. 

Our Republic never so base or ungrateful, 
That it will not record each patriot son ; 
If the coronation comes not while living. 
It will at some future day be done. 
Now we hear the martial tread and the music ; 
The hearts of ten thousand are stirred ; 
The immortal song on ship-board penned. 
Has been long over the continents heard. 

In Frederick town his monument, 

Shall forever in grandeur stand ; 

His form standing- in bronze statuette. 

Does honor to his native Maryland, 

The granite block shall ever perpetuate. 

Not only the victory grandly won ; 

But this banner of freedom, all over the earth, 

Shows mankind what's accomplished and done. 

The Pacific Isles of the far distant West, 
Have at last come under its fold; 
The distant Hawaii of the Republic a part. 
As well as Alaska's mountains of gold. 



DARKNESS. 345 

The West India Islands are all rapping hard, 
To its bright folds have turned tneir face, 
In a few more years they may enter under, 
And rest neath its friendl}^ embrace. 

The world from fetters must seek deliverance, 
People for freedom' must strive again ; 
Despots can't always the people enslave, 
Further efforts will surely be vain. 
Remove the galling and clanking chains ; 
Let the enslaved conscience be free; 
Further tyranny of the mind or body. 
Can no longer tolerated be. 

"Let the earliest rays of the morning gild it," 

Beautifully float each stripe and star; 

Let the evening sun descend upon it, 

Let nought on earth its beauty mar. 

May never a stripe be rent or sullied. 

May each star in beauty endure ; 

Nor be ever removed from its mountain-height. 

But stand alone in glory secure. 



DARKNESS — Here Used in a Figurative Sense. 



When the heavens are dark above you, 

Dark clouds are overcast, 

A pall of gloom quite enshrouds yon, 

Which may seem long to last, 

Look aloft above the horizon; 

A rift in the cloud is near; 

A sudden light illumes the heavens, — 

A spot where the sky is clear. 

And the mantling pall of darkness, 

To shining light gives way; 

We rejoice in the illumination. 

Of a more perfect day. 

So if misfortune bears upon you. 

And enemies are strong, 

Gird on the armor of true courage; 

Rest assured it won't be lonsf. 



346 A REMINISCENCE. 

P'ar better thus 'to brave the battle ; 

Be a soldier tried and true ; 

With hand and heart, the soul of courage, 

Show the world what you can do. 

Then rFse superior to misfortunes, 

Nor be cast unduly down ; 

Move the earth and shake the heavens, 

Pull from the stars a crown. 

Behold the brightness of the morning, 

Has just begun to dawn ! 

The aurora of the heavens, 

Has just put its splendor on. 

Benighted hope now realizes, 

That whilst existing here. 

We may dispel the clouds of darkness, 

That in our life sometimes appear. 

Part of our earth is always hidden. 
Where shines the midnight sun ; 
We clearer see the sidereal heavens. 
When the sun bright orb has gone. 
So faithless, unregenerate man 
If he were ne'er cast down, 
Would never wear the victor's laurels, 
Nor gain the victor's crown. 



A REMINISCENCE— With a Moral. 



We oft in memory wander back 

To our childhood's early days. 

When a group of romping children, 

Enjoyed their merry plays. 

They can no longer there be found, 

But memory fond recalls, 

The little brooks and streams around, 

The wooden cottage walls. 

There father issued his commands. 
When we did yell and romp ; 
And mother boxed us on the ears, 
Which made us hop and jump. 



'THE MAINE." 347 



In those earlier days of discipline, 
The training was severe ; 
To be ordered was to obey, 
To listen was to hear. 

Under the rule of ancient pedagogue, 
We spent our days at school. 
Who with a six-foot hickory rod, 
Enforced the ''Golden Rule." 
Educational methods thus enforced, 
Left their impress to stay ; 
For he who would in future rule, 
Must be taught now to obey. 

But now, alas, the other extreme, 

Disgusting is to see ; 

The children are the masters, 

While on the parent's knee. 

This early lax authority, 

Abundantly appears. 

In precocious crimes and wickedness, 

In childhood's early years. 

The home's the father of the State, 

"The child's the father of the man," 

The man's the father of the child, 

As paradoxes seem to run. 

This is a truth of right conception. 

One of importance great ; 

The proper training of the children, 

Is reflected in the State. 



"THE; MAINE.' 



United States battleship — sunk by a bomb or torpedo in Ha- 
vana harbor, Feb. 15, i! 



Our souls are filled with horror dread. 
That a battleship so grand," 
Has thus so ignobly perished, 
By a Spanish treacherous hand. 



348 ADDENDA. 

The mighty monarch of the ocean — 
It fills our hearts with pain, 
Has fallen to cruel fate a victim, 
The battleship called — "Maine." 

Thy armamenva and rock-ribbed sides, 

With plates of solid steel 

Could not help but strike with terror. 

That no foe could well conceal. 

Beneath the waves of tropic seas. 

Her form is rent in twain ; 

Her massive hulk heeds not the breeze, 

Oh, sad, ill-fated Maine. 

Poor sailors then on board of her. 

As with a sudden blast. 

Are hurled high in the firmament, — 

To swift destruction cast. 

Half masted floats the starry flag, 

A nation mourns the loss. 

Of noble ship and worthy men, 

Who perished without cause. 

The Cuban cause must yet succeed. 
In spite of effete Spain ; 
Ten thousand patriots will arise — 
Avenge the fate, O Maine. 
The memory of thy tragic fate. 
Shall not for years be gone; 
Nor shall our flag be lowered, 
By any Spanish Don. Feb. 21st, i 



ADDENDA. 

Soon the avenging nemesis came ; 
The sounding cannon spoke ; 
In a tongue of fire and flame. 
Soon burst the Spanish yoke. 
She now has her 'Tndependence, 
And may in time grow great ; 
Ranking among the nations, 
As a new "Sovereign State." 



Jan. 8, 1902. 



PEACE PROCLAMATION OF PRESIDENT M'KINLEY. 349 
PEACE PROCLAMATION OF PRES. M'KINLEY 

Signed August 12, '98 — Spanish war over. 



The white dove of peace once more broods o'er the land, 

Imparting his beneficence blest; 

The murderous cannon and death-dealing gun, 

Shall, we trust, enjoy season of rest. 

But great issues, important, transcendant, 

Are by tyrants ignored as in vain ; 

Till the sword cuts the bonds of the oppressed, 

Bringing new freedom along in its train. 

This war fiercely fought was of short duration ; 
For soon as witli.a cyclone's sweeping breeze, 
The powerful armaments of the enemy, 
Were lying beneath the deep seas. 
But now let us all thankfully feel 
Pleasant emotions flowing from peace, 
That the loud sound of the terrible gun, — 
The tread of martial columns doth cease. 

The blessings of peace now quietly hover 
O'er a nation with honor maintained ; 
While the Isles of the West and luxuriant East, 
Shall rejoice in a new freedom gained. 
After four hundred years of cruel oppression. 
Almost as hard as the Pharaoh of old ; 
This war insures the defeat of the tyrant. 
Succeeded by freedom's blessings untold. 

We are not aiming to rule the whole world ; 

Undue advantages over our neighbors gain ; 

Not that w^e desire universal dominion. 

Or secure unfair concessions to our domain. 

But wherever our flag is known or extended, 

In the Philippine Isles, or Pacific seas. 

Shall, liberty, law and protection be given, 

Long as the emblem of freedom sw^ings to the breeze. 

Hasten the time when each nation on earth, 
Instead of piling up armaments dread, 
Shall disarm ; let the arts of peace flourish ; 
Invoke a peace universal instead. 



350 ADMIRAL DEWEY'S NAVAL VICTORY AT MANILA. 

The time will come when earth's fairest bowers 
Shall not be deluged with blood-shed and woe ; 
Freedom, justice and peace shall reign in glory, 
Illuming the horizon of mankind below. 

Notes. — Patrick Henry remarked in the Virginia Convention 
of delegates: — ''Caesar had his Brutus; Charles ist, his 
Cromwell ; George the Third — may profit by their ex- 
ample." — His Washington, and Spain its Admiral Dewey. 



ADMIRAL DEWEY'S NAVAL VICTORY AT MANILA. 



In the Philippine Islands, May ist, 1898. 

It was just at the dawning gray. 
Admiral Dewey sailed the bay. 
And brought his monster guns to play 
On Spanish ships at Manila. 

The Spanish cruisers lay in port, 
Of various kinds a motley sort. 
Lying closely anchored near the fort, 
Of the ancient town of Manila. 



He to Cavite arsenal drew up near, 
And did his decks, for action clear ; 
Brought with precision his guns to bear, 
On ships and forts at Manila. 

Loud pealed each cannon from its throat, 
As each Spanish snip he sunk and smote 
Rained the iron pounders on each boat. 
Beneath the forts of Manila. 

What was not sunk was burned down. 
For death, destruction reigned around, 
Till not a Spanish ship was found, 
In the famous bay of Manila. 

What seemed a providential thing. 
When shot and shell were on the wing, 
Not a life was lost sad grief to bring, 
In the famous fight at Manila. 



WHY? 351 

For coolness and courage, bravery true, 
iLord Nelson did not better do, 
The world admires the valliant crew, 
That won the day at Manila. 

/The American nation sends its cheer, 
Each naval hero it holds dear; 
It thanks those conquerors without fear, 
That struck the despot at Manila. 

Tho' wielded long, the oppressors chain, 
Has been removed and bent in twain ; 
And millions there, will freedom gain, 
When Dewey raised the flag at Manila. 

All honor to those gallant tars. 

That covered with fame the ''Stripes and Stars ;" 

No cloud of defeat our navy mars, 

At Santiago or at Manila. 

Jan. II, 1899. 



WHY? 

Why does unreasoning prejudice reign. 
Against him who by his efforts would gain, 
A seat of honor, a higher place. 
Than the average mortal of his race? 
Who by efforts unaided by strength of will, 
May finally climb to the top of the hill. 
While the common mortal plods like a snail. 
In business of life may wholly fail? 

Why has the genius who has fortunes made 
For others, be so' niggardly paid? 
His inventions may revolutionize. 
But he reaps small benefit from the prize. 
Money in this world counts more than brains, 
The wise poor man slow eminence gains, 
A man should be rated for what he's worth. 
When called on this stage of action forth. 



352 SKETCH OF NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 

Let a man be a man and act for himself, 
In lessons of either education or pelf, 
Giving no heed to the prejudiced ass, 
'Not minding his braying as you pass. 
Then in the name of all attributes true, 
Render unto Caesar — each man his due, 
Merit gives station not highness of birth,- 
Promotion should wholly come from worth. 



SKETCH OF NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 



The prodigy extraordinary of a century past, 
Has boldly climbed up fame's high towers ; 
Brilliant, yet infamous the fame acquired, 
He was dethroning or upbuilding world powers. 
Had he succeeded the map of Europe, 
Would now show a different form ; 
An "Oriental Policy" to rob the nations 
And civilizations bulwarks storm. 

Brilliant genius and daring generalship, 
Had been attested in many a strong campaign ; 
Whether crossing the alps with a mighty army. 
Or establishing the ''Code Napoleon" during his reign 
All obstacles before his prowess seemed to vanish ; 
In Milan Cathedral he put on the "Iron Crown," 
Or when crossing the Rhine with eighty thousand, 
He seemed invincible of world-wide renown. 

Fortune sometimes frowns on favorites, — an 
Occultation of this man of destiny's star. 
Appeared and hovered, right above him : 
Nelson forced back his columns at Trafalgar, 
With indomitable pluck and energy, 
He was victor at the battle of Austerlitz ; 
Further defeating Prussian arm}^ at Jena; 
Few are the victories more remarkable than this. 

In Prussian capital he issued his "Berlin decrees;" 

At Wagram did the Austrians defeat ; 

Pope Pius, he arrests as a prisoner of war. 

Nought dare stand in the way to make victory complete. 



SKETCH OF NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 353 

The most infamous act for which he is abjured, 
Was getting a divorce from his wife — Josephine; 
Papal power cut one knot — then tied another, 
Because childless was the empress queen. 

This thirst for subjugation and dominion leads 
Him to fight against the Russian Czar ; 
With the grandest army next — to that of Xerxes, 
He executes a stroke of apparent brilliant war, 
At the Kremlin, he establishes his headquarters, 
The Russian Czar's most ancient palace ; 
The Russians precipitately fled before him ; 
Thus far we see that the victory was his. 

The greatest of holocausts overtake him ; 
Having made entrance into the famous town 
Is horrified by wrathful Russian vengeance ; 
Tor they applied the torch and burned it down. 
From the Kremlin he was forced, retreating, 
Starvation in the front, the Russian army in the rear ; 
His troops succumbing to cold and hunger. 
Perished by the ten thousands here. 

Three hundred thousand perished in the snow ; 

The grandest army that to that time was known, 

Was sacrificed by an unscrupulous leader, 

For sake of propping up a feudal throne. 

The star of destiny which hitherto had led him 

Began in the heavens a fast retreat ; 

|In the battle of Leipzig which soon followed. 

He suffered a most disastrous defeat. 

The allied armies in a body enter Paris; 
Louis the XVHI is placed upon the throne; 
Napoleon is sent to exile on the isle of Elba, 
Where his power to do harm for a time is gone. 
His valorous spirit would not brook banishment, 
Nor long in this island lodge remain ; 
Entering once more the Parisian capital. 
The populace flock to his standard again. 



354 SKETCH OF NAPOLEON BONAPATITE. 

The allied powers with best of armaments, 

Were combined to make his power cease ; 

As long as he had power to raise an army, 

In Europe could be no continued peace, 

Now comes his last struggle and experiment. 

With Wellington ; in this he failed too ; 

The scepter of power, was from him forever taken ; 

He met his last disaster on field of Waterloo. 

The powers of Europe were this time determined, 
Tg hold him a captive in lonely exile, 
Guarding him with strong cohorts of soldiers, 
On stormy St. Helena's rock-bound isle. 
The world is entitled to its opinion ;' 
We in these lines have tried to show 
How he fought to reduce all Europe to serfdom ; 
AVas liberty's most unrelenting foe. 

His greatness was in g'reat deeds of slaughter, 
He placed his nation in mourning and in debt ; 
Some nations that fought him in those times, 
May not have their war-debt cancelled yet. 
We would not detract from his fame or glory. 
Let those who will take in his name some pride, 
In his unrivaled military skill and daring-; 
But mankind breathes freer since he died. 

As the military and civil career of Napoleon is of more than 
ordinary importance, we append a few historical notes 
with dates, giving the more important battles and events of 
his life. 

1792. — French Republic established. 

1752. — Massacre of St. Bartholomew ; 70,000 killed. A medal 
struck in honor of event by Pope Charles IX. He suffers 
remorse till his death. 

1799. — Pope Pius VI made a prisoner. Napoleon's victory at 
the Pyramids in Egypt. English Admiral Nelson defeats 
the French fleet. 

1800. — Napoleon with French army crosses the Alps. 

1803. — ''Code Civil," or "Code Napoleon" established (An ar- 
bitrary despotic law of his own making). 



SKETCH OF NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 355 

1802. — Napoleon elected consul for life. His ambition was to 
make himself master of the world ; but in attempting this, 
the world arrayed against him. 

1804. — French Senate proclaimed Napoleon Emperor. 

1805. — French fleet defeated by Lord Nelson at the battle of 
Trafalgar. Napoleon's coronation takes place at Paris in 
Cathedral of Notre Dame. The "Iron Crown" of Lom- 
bardy is placed upon his head by Pope Pius VIL Na- 
poleon defeats allied army at Austerlitz. 

1806. — He defeats Prussian army at Jena. He enters Berlin 
and issues his famous "Berlin Decrees," in retaliation for 
an "English" order in Council," forbidding all trade with 
Great Britain. He abolishes the "Tribunati," the only 
Legislative body in France. He establishes the "Conti- 
nental System," excluding British goods from Spain, 
Portugal and other places over which he held dominion. 

1809. — He defeats Austrian army at Wagram. He gets a 
divorce from his wife, Josephine. 

1810. — Marries Princess Maria Louisa by proxy, (agency of 
one who acts as a substitute). The "Continental System" 
placed upon nations trading with Great Britain. 

1812. — Duke of Wellington defeats Napoleon and occupies 
Madrid. Russians defeated by Napoleon's army ; disas- 
trous retreat from Moscow. He enters the Kremlin — an- 
cient palace. The Russians burn the city of Moscow. 
French army suffers from hunger and cold. Re-crosses 
the Alps, suffering terrible loss. 

1813. — The allied forces defeat him at Leipsig. 

1814. — The allied forces enter the city of Paris with an army of 
230,000 men. Napoleon given sovereignty of Island of 
Elba. White flag of the Bourbons raised and Louis 
XVIII proclaimed King of France. 



356 GEORGE WASHINGTON. 

1815. — Napoleon leaves Elba, re-enters Paris, org-anizing an 
army of 357,000 men. He defeats the Prussian army at 
Ligny. June i8th, decisive battle of Waterloo. This 
ended his militar}- career. The English make him a 
prisoner of war. Louis XVIII re-instated King of France. 
He is taken prisoner to the Island of St. Helena — kept 
under strong- guard. 

182 1. — Napoleon died. Thus passed away one of the world's 
great military actors from the stage. Cotemporaneous 
rulers in 1815: — Prince of Wales, Regent of England; Jas. 
Madison, President of the United States. 



GEORGE WASHINGTON. 



"Father of his country," patriot and statesman, was born in 
Westmoreland County, Virginia, near the bank of the 
Potomac river in 1732, Feb. 22d. "First in war, first in 
peace, first in the hearts of his countrymen." 

Dedication. 

Incomparable statesman, illustrous patriot, brilliant soldier; 
preeminent among the galaxy of great men, he stands 
alone in his glory on the mount of eternal fame and honor. 

''Should the tempest of war o'ershadow our land 
Its bolts would ne'er rend freedom's temple asunder 
For unmoved at its portal would Washiwgton stand 
And repulse with his breast the assaults of the thunder 

His sword from the sleep 

Of its scabbard would leap 
And conduct, with its point every flash to the deep." 

THOMAS PAINE. 

The old world's nations to tyranny born. 
Had long been of freedom and liberty shorn ; 
Despots and tyrants continued to reign ; 
For ages long of oppression unjust, 
Had trampled down man to the very dust, 
Agrainst whom mankind strove in vain. 




GEORGE WASHINGTON. 



GEORGE WASHINGTON. 357 

The continent new on which Columbus set foot, 
Began to grow stronger with branching* out root, 
It was the soil of a world then new ; 
When the old world's despots sent over here, 
Their cohorts and myrmidons to our sphere, 
To establish their feudal systems anew. 

For eight long years did Washington fight, 
With feeble armies for independence and right ; 
Terrible the struggle thro' which he passed ; 
The cause of the patriots was crowned with success, 
Against greater forces did struggle, nevertheless, 
American independence was secured at last. 

When the blessed morn of peace at Yorktown did dawn, 

And the iron heel of the oppressor had gone, 

We him as the great Deliverer hail ; 

A new nation was born to freedom secure, 

We trust by the blessing of God shall endure ; 

And future generations repeat the tale. 

When the "New Constitution" was launched into being, 
And the union of States a reafized thing. 
The adorable leader was chosen to preside ; 
And conferred on him was the highest place, 
Which he lived to fill and adorn with grace ; 
The first President of a continent wide. 

A new government had he to organize. 
With no existing model under the skies ; 
New theories of government for the fi^rst time. 
Were to be launched into the world abroad, 
A brilliant new diplomacy that should 
Mark the era of a new nation — be sublime. 

A new star arose in Time's firmament. 
Which could not be dimmed — a precursor sent 
To shine o'er the world as a rising sun ; 
Legions of braves rose at his command. 
For liberty's principles taking stand, 
Under the leadership of Washington. 



358 GEORGE WASHINGTON. 

As w€ pass down the age his fame does increase; 
''First in the hearts of his countrymen — first in peace," 
Grand military chieftain — first in war; 
Constitutional liberty treated with scorn, 
Took a new lease of life with Washington born; 
Despots and kings against it can't bar. 

His cardinal virtues were justice and truth. 
Exemplified both in manhood and youth ; 
These were the foundations for a future great; 
Whether fighting with Braddock at the river's side 
Or coping 'gainst British generals tried ; 
A Providence kind controlled his fate. 

To guide the "Ship of State" thro' rocks and sands, 
Required executive skill and cunning hands, 
With wisdom great which he did possess ; 
And judgment for there's not to-day a stain 
Of reproach upon his administration or name; 
Of whom can we say more — of him no less. 

Upon the tablets of immortal fame and glory 
In letters not eraseable, mankind now reads the story 
What this unapproachable patriot did do ; 
Nations now struggling for the cause of right 
'Led by his example shall some day win the fight ; 
Casting aside their fetters may their age renew. 

Peace be to his ashes close by Potomac's sod, 
On famed ''Mount Vernon," the mount of God; 
Long as constitutional liberty rears its head, 
Shall the undying name of Washington, 
Be remembered for what he to mankind has done; 
Inspire thoughts of freedom in nation's almost dead. 

Feb. 22d, 1898-1903. 

Historical Notes. 

1732. — Washington born Feb. 22 — old style, Feb. nth. He 

studies mathematics and engineering. 
1753. — Is employed by Gov. Dinwiddle of Virginia. 
1754. — Western Pennsylvania in possession of the French. 

Headquarters at Fort Duquesne. 




On Guard. 



THE AMERICAN FLAG. 359 

1755.- — Braddock suffers defeat. 

1760. — Canada and Western Pennsylvania surrenders to the 
English. Fort Duquesne changed to Fort Pitt. 

1765. — Stamp act passed. Government of colonies — a confed- 
eration. 

1774. — Congress assembles at Philadelphia. Passes resolu- 
tions for mutual defense. 

1775.- — Revolutionary war commences. Washington elected 
Commander-in-Chief. 

1776. — British evacuate Boston. 

1777. — Layfaette arrives in America. Washington in winter 
quarters at Valley Forge. 

1778. — Treaty with France signed. 

1779. — Wayne recaptures ''Stony Point." 

1780.— Discovery of Arnold's treason. He attempts to be- 
tray West Point to the British. 

1781. — Surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown. 

1783. — Washington issues his "Farewell address." Washing- 
ton proceeds to Annapolis, the seat of Congress, to re- 
sign his commission. Treaty of peace signed with Great 
Britain. Bursting of Liberty bell at Philadelphia. 

1787. — New constitution adopted by 11 States. 

1789. — First Congress meets in New York. AVashington 
elected first President. 

1792. — Washington re-elected President. 

1794. — Whiskey rebellion in Pennsylvania. 

1796. — Washington retires from the Presidency and issues 
his Farewell address. 

1799. — Washington dies. Is buried at Mount Vernon in Vir- 
ginia. 

1903. — "God reigns and the government still lives." 



THE AMERICAN FLAG.—Another Version. 



"If any man haul down the American flag, shoot him on the 
spot. — John A. Dix. 

It is a popular piece of bunting, 

And many friends has got, 

"When freedom from her mountain-height. 

Unfurled her standard to the air," 

Her battalions rose in strength and might. 

And firmly fixed it there. 



360 DECISION. 

Whether it covers mighty continents, 
Or floats o'er distant lands, 
It symbolizes law and freedom, 
United hearts and hands ; 
The elevation of the masses, 
Under its protecting care. 
Those who now fight it will clamor. 
To leave it floating there. 

We have already taken station, 
Among the world's powers ; 
No rude handling of poor nation 
Shall be a rule of ours. 
We would not indulge in boasting 
Ask nought but what is fair ; 
But where it rightfully belongs, — 
We propose to keep it there. 



DECISION. 

*Tn the history of each man and nation, 
There comes a moment to decide, 
In the fight of truth against error, 
Whether they are on the right or evil side." 
There are evils in each nation, 
Of long standing and dispute ; 
But 'tis hard to extirpate them, 
They have so firmly taken root. 

History is filled with sad examples 
Of those who yielded to the foe 
Of intemperance — Sabbath desecration. 
Who are now victims lying low ; 
Temptations may before you lie ; 
But still take an honest pride 
In walking paths of rectitude ; 
Just take one moment to decide. 

Ally yourself with the best of people, 
And shun the dregs of earth ; 
Sterling character's a capital. 
Of most unvalued worth. 



DECISION. 361 



You all want a place of usefulness, 
If you are not known far and wide ; 
If you reach no place of great eminence, 
You can still be on the winnins: side. 



'& 



The world's allurements are enticing, 
Many are ruined every day 
To you my friend, I put this question : 
Does a career of vileness pa}^? 
Pause, reflect, carefully consider, 
If you are drifting with the tide, 
Now is the time most opportune, 
To take courage and decide. 

Preserve your manhood, pure, unsullied. 

Avoiding the tempter's snare ; 

Sins secret lead to moral ruin. 

Specious outside, seeming fair. 

Health and wealth with honor await 

Those who have been tried : 

''Weighed in the balance and not wanting," 

Did righteously decide. 

Life's road is strewed with ruins 
Of boys of genius bright. 
Who in an unguarded moment. 
Took the left and not the right. 
Life has many fields of action, 
Many opened to you wide ; 
In after years it gives satisfaction, 
If you wisely now decide. 

Victory perches on the banner 

Of the soldier true and tried, 

Who marched in the victorious army, 

Of hosts that were allied. 

Pray for strength and resolution, 

To stem earth's evil tide ; 

Your weel or woe for earth and heaven. 

Depends on how you now^ decide. 



362 '^THE MILL CANNOT BE RUN WITH WATER THAT IS PAST." 

**THE MilLL CANNOT BE RUN WITH WATER THAT 

IS PAST." 



An Old Adage. 



Many opportunities glide past, 
Which never can return ; 
Because these were not used aright, 
Many a man will after mourn, 
Glide along life's running stream, 
Do not precious moments waste ; 
''For the mill cannot be run 
With water that is past." 

Many a man could rise in life. 

Above mean sordid things, 

If he had not passed through some fire. 

Getting crippled in his wings. 

But think and act the proper thing. 

Nor gifts of value waste; 

"For the mill cannot be run 

With water that is past." 

There may be mountains in your way, 

A hazy atmosphere. 

But when you reach the summit high, 

Your vision will be clear. 

The race of fools will never die, 

We hear not of the last ; 

''For the mill cannot be run 

W^ith water that is past." 

Many will virtue's paths avoid, 
And cross each low morass; 
While they might eat the food of gods. 
They live on husks and grass. 
They sink into treacherous sands ; 
This drama is their last, 
"For the mill cannot be run 
With water that is past." 



LABOR SONG. 363 

Steady devotion to each duty, 
Is something worth our strife ; 
Who can realize the beauty, 
Of a pure and spotless life? 
To gain life's solid enjoyments. 
Away not your jewels cast; 
''For the mill cannot be run 
With water that is past." 

"Do what you can, act like a man," 
In rhyme sounds very nice ; 
But mineteen out of twenty men. 
Will not take this advice. 
Experience is a teacher dear, 
Gives lessons that will last ; 
"For the mill cannot be run 
With water that is past." 

This simile may not seem strangx. 

To workers in the mill ; 

Between the upper and nether stone. 

Life's grists are grinding still. 

Would you your time to gold transmute. 

Beware of any waste ; 

"For the mill cannot be run 

With water that is past," 



LABOR SONG— Dedicated to the Cause of Labor. 



We will work all the night we will labor all the day, 
At unremitting and honorable toil ; 

But this much we have to say, we are worthy of our pay, 
Whether working at the furnace, or laboring in the soil. 

We are potent factors in this noble land of ours, 
With its boundless stores of wealth that we see; 
While capital has power, 'tis labor m.akes the wealth. 
And the laborer tho' poor, must not ground down be. 

When we dig the black diamonds in the dark and dusky mine, 
We are adding to the wealth of the operator's store ; 
But this in mind we bear, we are worthy of our share ; 
This we ask in reason, only this, and nothing more. 



364 TRUE HOPE. 

When before the forges in the great workshops we be, 
We bravely bear our breast the melting heat to stand; 
Then who would our strength abuse and openly refuse, 
To give us our share of the wealth that enriches the land? 

From corporation's tyranny and avaricious greed, 

In this age of enlightment, we're bound to be free ; 

For we smite the earth's domain and plenty then doth reign. 

For as a conquering army, we must victorious be. 

We fought the mighty battles for our country's freedom ; 
Each one who followed the flag was patriotic and brave ; 
With this sentiment forever down, that sometimes here is 

found. 
That the workingman's a menial, must be counted as a slave. 

Whatever kind of labor in which we must engage. 
We, this affirmation make and solemnly declare. 
That capital must indeed, to labor's rights concede, 
In granting what is just, for this is only fair. 

We will work all the night, we will labor all the day, 
As friends, and not as enemies, for our employers toil ; 
But this much we have to say, we are v/orthy of our pay. 
Whether working in the shop, or laboring in the soil. 



TRUE HOPE. 



"True hope is swift and flies with swallow's wings. Kings it 
make gods and meaner creatures things." — Shakespeare's 
"King Richard" III, Scene II. 

If I had a thousand years to live, 

To unwind the length of my rope. 

My greatest attention I still would give, 

To indulge in the pleasures of hope. 

When many comforts us forsake. 

And discouragements seem to grow, 

We can reach out and fresh courage take ; 

Hope is a panacea below. 

Hope is a friend that never quails, 

For it the truest solace brings; 

"Kings it makes gods" and never fails 

'*'To make meaner creatures things." 



GREATNESS. 365 

True hope will, bring inward peace, 

To which discouragements yield; 

It will our blessings by times increase, 

Remaining a mighty shield. 

Without this fixed and inward star, 

Life's many enterprises would fail ; 

Like a light illumes our pathway afar, 

And bids us weather the gale. 

Bright and luminant orb of the day. 

Fair hand-maiden of the soul. 

Beam on our path we ferventl}^ pray, 

And our life's destiny control. 

If we're cast down to-morrow may bring 

The gift for which we crave ; 

The dove of hope its carols may sing, 

Admonishing us be brave ; 

The Creator bountiful gifts did give. 

Against life's many ills to cope ; 

There are none which can the despondent relieve, 

Like the bountiful blessings of hope. 



GREATNESS. 



''Imperial Caesar dead and turned to clay 
Might stop a hole to keep the wind aw^ay." 

Shakespeare's Hamlet, Act' V, Scene i, 

Wherefore do we speak of the gTcatness that lingers. 
On Olympus height the mountain of fame. 
Where by accident, birth or consent of mankind, 
A warrior or statesman has recorded his name? 
Nations may sit in adoration and wonder, 
At the feet of him who^ great trophies has won ; 
Men and children delight in rehearsing the stories ; 
Historians delight telling how they were done. 

He may sit enthroned while Kings do him honor, 
A marshalling troop may his footsteps attend ; 
To his innermost wish or whispered command, 
May hosts of admirers and votaries bend. 



366 MAN WAS CREATED FOR IMMORTALITY. 

The world is full of this thing we call flattery, 
And subalterns fill a subservient part; 
We doubt if all this outward assumed affection, 
As a tribute to greatness, springs from the heart. 

Exaltation of station or greatness of name, 
On which the grandeur of virtue is based, 
Furnishes the most endurable fame. 
Which a sculptor on marble e'er chased, 
Time will turn down the greatness of all, 
Who a place by vile means and.corruption acquired; 
Such stand on the sand or the slippery rock. 
Will suddenly fall and be quickly retired. 

''Farewell, a long farewell to all my greatness," 
Says the man who from high position is hurled ; 
To whom once did great multitudes do homage. 
But now is torsaken, despised by the world. 
True greatness is not always in palaces found, 
With finest adornings of exquisite art ; 
In the home where, peace, love and contentment dwells, 
Where the impress of virtue's engraved on the heart, ■ 

Notes. — Virtue is the only solid basis of greatness. "A long 
farewell to all my greatness." — Shakespeare. "Highness 
of place, rank or eminence." — Webster. 



MAN WAS CREATED FOR IMMORTALITY. 



Versified from; extract written by Geo. D. Prentice. 

Altho' we belong to a demoralized race. 
Yet we by faith can unerringly see, 
Earth's not our final abiding place. 
Nor was it ever intended to be. 
It cannot be that our life like a bubble, 
Cast up by the furious dashing foam. 
After earth's vexations, toils and trouble. 
Has no future life in an endless home. 

It cannot be we to nothingness sink. 
Endowed as we are with immortal spark ; 
Nor our declining era of sunset fade, 
Into lasting gloom of a midnight dark 



A NATIONAL TRIBUTE. 367 

Why do our glorious aspirations hig'h 
Leaping like angels from the heart, 
Meet no realization 'neath earth or sky, 
But leave us unconsciously and depart? 

Why do the rainbow and clouds come o'er us, 
The face of inanimate nature to bless. 
As fading visions pass quickly before us. 
Leaving not a trace of their loveliness? 
Why is it the stars decking the midnight hoary, 
Before our limited faculty's grasp are set. 
Mocking us with an unapproachable glory, 
In the crown of night's blazing coronet? 

Why is it bright forms of beauty here presented 
To our views will from us in a moment go, 
Leaving the thousand streams of our affectins, 
From our hearts like an alpine torrent flow? 
We are born for a higher destiny than earth ; 
There is a realm of beauty, peace and rest. 
Where the stars will be spread out before us 
Like islands slumbering in the ocean of the blest. 

These soul-longings after immortality. 

We in the glorious future shall fully realize ; 

And the golden visions of our earthly sky, 

Shall in a morn of sublimer beauty rise. 

The beautiful beings that make us glad down here, 

Not as in a panoramic, brief display, 

Shall with us in brighter realms appear-, 

And in our presence shall forever- stay. 

Jan. 9th, 1902. 



A NATIONAL TRIBUTE. 



When our ancestors left the land of oppression, 
Sailed across the wide bounds of the sea. 
They in the wilderness settled, took possession; 
Laid the foundations of a country free. 
"They builded much better than they knew ;" 
They laid the foundation deep and wide ; 
They fought like men for their principles true, 
Establishing a new government beside. 



368 THE POET. 

When the old masters from whom they had fled, 
Attempted to put on another yoke, 
''Independence" is ours, they manfully said, 
And the chain of the tyrant they broke. 
An empire they formed in this western land. 
On which had the savages trod ; 
An enduring structure successfully planned. 
Dedicated to Freedom and God. 

O'h, long may her charter of Liberty last, 
And the glory and fame of her braves, 
Who secured the great boon of all ages past ; 
Became free men instead of cowering slaves. 
The laurels thus earned, the victories won. 
Shall be known to each succeeding age ; 
May her institutions remain bright as the sun, 
And illumine her history's page. 



THE POET— New Poem. 



You may consider the poet a person small, 
His productions insipid and flat ; 
But precious few of you after all, 
Carry such brains as he got in his hat. 
You may scarcely at his writings pause, 
Or your slightest attention lend ; 
But there's not one in a thousand knows, 
The magical art of his pen. 

You can never discern the secret springs 

That actuate his inner soul ; 

Or how he ascends on the morning's wings, 

With the steeds of Jove in control. 

Or how with the flight of Mercury runs, 

Across the grand dome of the sky ; 

The light of varied, unnumbered suits. 

Does the theme of his muse supply. 

The inner chambers of occult thought. 
Are at times to his mind revealed ; 
The noble book he has penned and wrote, 
May be to the world a volume sealed. 



THE POET. 36» 

The striking thoughts from his pen that flow, 
May be in inspired language clad ; 
That to the heart and soul they go, 
Making the minds of mortals glad. 

He has got from heaven Promethean fire. 
With which he attunes his strain; 
And the mystic chords of his magical lyre. 
Heaven's own melody sounds again. 
Hark the symphonious sounds complete. 
That do voice to his melody, give ; 
While ends of the earth in unison sweet, 
Are proclaiming his songs that live. 

The inspired language of ancient thought. 

From throne of the Eternal came ; 

Still grand truths as messengers fraught, 

(Descend from this mount of flame. 

While inspiration great truths did give, — 

Ilngots from the mines of gold ; 

We ponder the volumes whose thoughts do live, 

And the depths of their treasures unfold. 

Permit me descend from ethereal space, 
In flight that's majestic come down; 
As thro' the earth we hurriedly race, 
Pure diamonds of thought are found. 
The book of nature is always new ; 
'Tis a volume that all can read ; 
The wonders of art are never through, 
Still there's further progress ahead. 

He may inspiration find in small thing. 

In a chemical atom or whole ; 

Thoughts from the fields of the universe bring. 

Whose great Creator is their soul. 

Let not the poet small things despise ; 

Still heaven-born truths declare ; 

The words of wisdom that make men wise, 

From the fields of culture fair. 

He would trace tlTe beautiful, good and true, 
With an indelible golden pen ; 
A picture unequaled present to view. 
That will charm the minds of men. 



370 "MAMMON." 

Let the poet grand themes contemplate, 
From the fields of esthetics broad ; 
For nature has wonders very great, 
But revelation comes from God. 

Notes. — Jove, a short name for Jupiter, the supreme god of 
the Romans, and the father of gods and men. 

Mercury, the messenger of the gods, the inventor of letters 
and god of eloquence. 

Promethean, adjective of Prometheus, who having stolen fire 
from heaven, was bound fast on Mount Caucasus and tor- 
mented by a vulture — which continually preyed upon his 
liver. — Webster. 

''Book of Nature," God's works of creation by which we are 
surrounded. 

Indelible, That cannot be effaced. 

"Esthetics," The science of the beautiful. 

''Beautiful, good and true," Comprehends all that is beautiful 
in art, science and religion ; all that is g'ood whether un- 
known or revealed; all that is true, whether the axioms 
and principles of philosophy, or the sublime truths of rev- 
elation. 



"MAMMON." 

"Ye cannot serve God and Mammon," 
Comes to us as word divine ; 
Many prefer to serve the latter. 
Because it has a golden shrine. 
There's too much worshipping money, 
In life's struggle to get rich ; 
By means honest or dishonest, 
It don't matter much which. 

Do not call honesty a "policy;" 

Such talking we have heard ; 

Be honest because of "principle," 

Is a much better word. 

But maxims do not count a cent, 

Nor do men for them care ; 

How shall I get the unrighteous Mammon 

Is my great consuming care? 



GETTYSBURG. 371 



Go hustle in your own good way, 
If you should make a dash ; 
Buy some mine or railroad stock, 
On time if you haven't cash. 
Then keep a steady aim in view 
And if you don't succeed ; 
The fault lies alone with you: 
But to your change take heed. 



Jan. 9, 1902. 



GETTYSBURG. 



Oh Gettysburg, decisive point, 

No spot on earth is found, 

That's more baptized with loyal blood, 

Where patriots in fierce combat stood ; 

Thy rampart's hallowed ground. 

Here the tide of rebellion backward rolled ; 

The hosts of treason fled ; 

The Confederate captains had to flee. 

The vanquished army under Lee, 

To Southern quarters sped. 

The unflinching corps of Hancock stood. 
Like massive walls of stone; 
Brave Reynolds as a victim fell, 
To rebel shot and bursting shell. 
While Howard's fame is known. 

"Cemetery Ridge" is hallowed ground. 
Long since bedewed. with tears; 
The cherished dead now rest in sleep ; 
None can disturb their slumbers deep. 
Eternal fame is their's. 

We cannot consecrate this sacred ground ; 
The brave who died — and live, 
Whose valorous deeds cannot be hid, 
Shall be remembered for what they did ; 
For they, their lives did give. 



372 BALLAD. 

While the temple of Freedom rears her altar,. 
And we worship at her shrine, 
'We must ever regard as sacred, dear. 
The righteous cause that triumphed here, 
And praise the power divine. 



BALLAD--Not in Favor of "Lager Beer." 



I am well aware that writing temperance pieces is not produc- 
tive of mych good, yet the principle is eternally right. 

I would not soil the clean white page, 
Of the paper on which I write. 
Nor any kind of strong drink endorse. 
Nor songs in their praises indite. 
The curse of God's in the frothy bowl, 
That like the adder will sting; 
Rotting the body, destroying the soul. 
Unnumbered evils doth bring. 

"Yet of all bibulous compoundings," 

It is to all drinkers clear. 

The drink that quickest destroys the health 

Is most certainly Lager beer. 

The putrid effervescent thing. 

So abundantly now made. 

Takes in a princely revenue, — 

More than any other trade. 

It may seem at a cursory glance. 
That it produces health; 
Ere long the inveterate drinker. 
Sinks down to degrading death. 
Keep not company with a foe. 
That not only muddles the brain. 
But daily adds to your burden of woe. 
Bringing neither health nor gain. 



DEAR TO MY HEART. 373 

The toils of the serpent are quite strong, 

When you are once in his embrace, 

He devours your money and soul ere long, 

And plants his sign on your face. 

We cannot wholly place the blame 

On those who hand out and sell, 

There are some men unworthy the name, 

Who will rush to the poisoned still. 

This devouring plague or pestilence, 
Which man on himself has brought, 
As compared with other misfortunes, 
Is the greatest of the lot. 
There's no use in flinging epithets, 
At those who indulge or make ; 
We trust that men will see their folly, 
And be sober for their own sake. 



DEAR TO MY HEART. 



How dear to my heart is my mother's old goggles. 

Her queer-fitting gown and funny night-cap ; 

When I did some little mischievous thing, 

She seldom failed to give me a rap. 

The dim distant thoughts of the good old time, 

Will in my bosom intrusively swell ; 

When I think of my girl who lived next-neighbor. 

And the rest of the young folks as well. 

How dear to my heart is the old Tom cat. 
Which I as a boy in my infancy knew; 
He was a good mouser and all that, 
And his faults were exceedingly few. 
Then were the days when life was easy; 
Few cares or sorrows to tell ; 
We lived on hominy, hog and mush, 
Buckwhecvts and flap-jacks as well. 



374 NEW VERSION OF DIXIE. 

How dear to my heart is the fine old girl, 

Which I used to court on the sly; 

She was neither refined, pretty nor winsome; 

As a mote she was big in my eye. 

I cannot now trace all my former companions, 

Where they're scattered around I can't tell ; 

We never may meet on earth any more ; 

Let us rest content at our lot — it is well. 



NEW VERSION OF DIXIE. 



Old time feuds are dead and rotten. 
We trust they will be soon forgotten. 

Away down South in Dixie. 
In Dixie land I'll take my stand. 
With a potent ballot in my hand, 

Away down South in Dixie. 

The darkies still the cotton grow. 
They are expert-handlers of the hoe, 

Away down South in Dixie. 
If I were as rich as Carnegie great 
I would then buy a Cotton State, 

Away down South in Dixie. 

We are one nation North and South, 
From lakes to Mississippi's mouth. 

Away down South in Dixie. 
The negro girl blooms full soon. 
And marries a modern Octoroon, 

Away down South in Dixie. 

We all do love the dear old flag, 
Of which we never cease to brag. 

Away down South in Dixie. 
The South's no more a warring State, 
But part of our Republic great, 

Away down South in Dixie. 

We hail this joyful day of peace ; 
Our national interests shall increase, 

Away down South in Dixie. 
Then let all hail the jubilee, 
The North and South a nation, free, 

Away down South in Dixie. 



THE INTERVIEW. 375 

"Away down South in fields of cotton, 
Old times there are not forgotten, 

Away down South in Dixie." 
We're glad to see more prosperous time, 
In this, our favored Southern clime, 

Away down South in Dixie 

Jan. 10, 1902. 



THE INTERVIEW. 



"From a fine young man in a town remote, 
Thro' yesterday's mail I received a note ; 
He kindly hinted in a tender tone. 
That I should consent to be his own. 
I cannot accept your suit my friend ; 
Let this all former courtship end." 

She bade him good-bye, but reaching the door, 
Said he, 'T a moment your attention implore," 
"Do not fiy off in displeasure dear miss, 
But let us make up with a loving kiss." 
And be it to you my readers known. 
It was no sooner said that it was done. 
Hearts that were cold a moment before. 
Were warmed again as in days of yore. 

They were afterwards married don't you forget, 

Are living, loving quite happily yet, 

They learned a lesson that helps along; 

He bridles his temper, she her tongue. 

Making mutual concessions how to forbear, 

Inviting sweet peace instead of care. 

What is the use of living at all. 

If discord comes at the slightest call? 

Shakespeare does in his drama tell. 
All is lovely that does end well. 
But hell on earth arises from strife. 
And saps the very springs of life. 
Cultivate the soil where affection grows. 
That brings to the mind and heart repose, 
Altho' we live in a sinful sphere, 
Heaven may contribute its blessings here. 



376 THE MAN OF GALILEE. 

THE MAN OF GALILEE. 



Oh stormy sea of Galilee, 

On which the Savior trod, 

On which alone His power was shown, 

The foot-steps of a God. 

The sea broke forth in sudden gale 

And raging- was the storm ; 

The stoutest hearts began to quail, 

And tremble in alarm. 

But when they saw the Savior come, 
Awalking on the wave, 
Peter quickly rushed to meet Him, 
With heart and spirit brave. 
But he lacked sufficient faith. 
So with the determined will. 
He did his Savior supplicate, 
Who bade the waves be still. 

So during our life's fitful storm, 

With our frail bark, afloat. 

We need to see our Savior's form, 

Or lost may be our bpat. 

Lord keep us from sins thralldom free, 

And bid life's storms to cease; 

So we shall safely dwell with Thee, 

In Thy safe port of peace. 

Oh, stormy sea of Galilee, 

Subject to Thy control; 

May we find rest and peace in Thee, 

The anchor of our soul. 

And when we wander would astray. 

Oppose Thy gracious will. 

Speak to these stubborn hearts alway. 

And bid them to be still. 

Feb. 9, 1901, 



FORGIVENESS. 377 

FORGIVEINESS.— "To Err is Human, to Forgive, Divine." 



In this world of ours, the longer we live, 
The more we should learn and know ; 
That is always God-like to forgive. 
Our meanest and bitterest foe. 
In this sinful world ofifenses will come, 
Which should be all cheerfully met; 
Be it abroad or in our own home, 
It is wise to forgive and forget. 

Lord forgive us our debts we cry. 
Beseeching the throne of grace 
That He will a spirit to us supply. 
That we can such troubles face. 
Ere we to the altar our gifts we bring, 
Reconciliation should be met; 
Knowing full well 'tis a glorious thing, 
In our hearts to forgive and forget. 

To return evil for evil is bad indeed; 
To return good for good is human-kind ; 
Returning good for evil is what we need, 
To make the act God-like and divine. 
When at the throne of mercy we plead, 
Unto Him to forgive us our debt, 
The spirit of Him who died we need. 
To help make us forgive and forget. 

"Vengeance is mine and I will repay," 

Comes to us as the word of the Lord ; 

A forgiving spirit have all they. 

Who carry out the truths of His word. 

Let us forgive, would we be forgiven. 

Praying that He may cancel our debt ; 

If we wish to enter the kingdom of heaven, 

We must forgive and forget. Feb. 9th, 1901. 



"IN THE SHADOW OF MINE HAND.' 



"How truly are the people blest," 
From beating storms they stand; 
And thus securely, firmly rest, 
"In the shadow of mine hand." 



378 "LOOK INTO THE ROCK WHENCE ^E WERE HEWN." 

Thus He affords protection sure, 
From the heat and biting- cold ; 
They are secure for evermore, 
In the great Shepherd's fold. 

The heat of the sun at noon-day, 
Can never cause them harmx ; 
They stand ; ecure, now and alway. 
From what "< /ould cause alarm. 
This — a mc st favored attitude. 
In which believers stand ; 
They shall receive all that is good, 
'Tn the shadow of mine hand." 

True religion is supernal, 

We build not our house on sand; 

But our home will be eternal, 

In that better, brighter land. 

Forever banish doubts and fear, 

God's word will surely stand; 

We are in His presence, always near, 

'Tn the shadow of mine hand." 

In the great shadow of His rock, 

Above the sands of time. 

Our names enrolled, shall in His book, 

Appear in print sublime. 

"Goodness and mercy all our days" — 

Have them we surely can ; 

For He shall guard our steps always, 

"In the shadow of mine hand." 



'LOOK INTO THE ROCK WHENCE YE WERE 
HEWN." 

Isaiah 51-1. 

Ye who are saved by the blessings of grace. 
Made fit for the Master's abode, 
Who bask in the angelic smiles of His face. 
As picked stones for the building of God, 
"Look unto the rock whence ye were hewn ;" 
Then to Him who conceived the design, 
Of shaping you from the rough, rude stone. 
To be a part in His mansion fine. 



THE REDEEMED OF THE LOED. 379 

He found you in your rough outline, 
Undressed as the natural rocks ; 
He chiseled you by His marvelous power, 
Into sightly and polished blocks, — 
Stones fitted for His spiritual temple, — 
To whom you owe debt of lasting love, 
In the new Jerusalem of the saints. 
In the courts of His temple above. 

He saved you by His transforming grace ; 
Your heart with new rapture doth flow; 
You are fighting the good fight of Faith, 
As becomes a warrior here below. 
''Look unto the rock whence ye were hewn ;" 
Let this ever humility teach; 
Happy in doing your Master's will, 
You shall infinite pleasures reach. 

Look not back on the sinful world ; 
Unto Mount Zion turn your face; 
Forever thank Him for what He has done, 
In saving you by the power of grace. 
Remember now your happy condition. 
And thus convincingly prove 
The length, the breadth, the depth and power 
Of His great unspeakable love. 



THE REDEEMED OF THE LORD. 

Isaiah 57-2. 

The redeemed of the Lord shall to Zion return; 

Shall have no further cause to weep or to mourn, 

Everlasting joy shall o'er them be spread 

Gladness like a crown shall cover their head. 

The spirit of praise shall in beauty be shown; 

The garments of heaviness never more known. 

Thus while we're moving life's journey along. 

Let our hearts be filled with the rapture of song, 

The song of Him who for sinners was slain. 

Was crucified, buried but liveth again. 

May this be our aim all others above, 

To stand in bright Zion the city we love. 

Then blest be the day, hallowed the morn. 

When the redeemed of the Lord shall to Zion return. 



380 THE GOSPEL INVITATION. 

THE, GOSPEL INVITATION. 



''Come thou with us and we will do thee good for the Lord 
hath spoken good concerning Israel." — Num. 10-29. 

The Gospel's joyful invitation, 
Is for everyone to come ; 
Reject not this free salvation, 
Nor heaven your futre home. 
Come and be an earnest Christian; 
There's no reason why you should 
In ways of wickedness remain. 
When Christ would do you good. 

Reject not the wooings of the spirit; 
Accept him while you may ; 
Eternal life you can inherit. 
If you wisely choose to-day. 
Come in true faith with penitence ; 
Accept His only sacrifice ; 
And spurn under no pretense. 
The high and heavenly prize. 

Come unto the Gospel fountain, 

And be forever clean; 

You can ascend God's lofty mountain, 

On wings of victory seen. 

Come in humble contrite mood ; 

It shall be with you well ; 

"For the Lord hath spoken only good. 

Concerning Israel." 

The invitation now extended, 
. May be very soon withdrawn, 
Then will happiness be ended, 
Your hopes of life be gone. 
Keep company with God's people ; 
Your future shall be well ; 
"For God hath spoken only good ; 
Concerning Israel. 



THE FEAST OF BELSHAZZAR. 381 

the; feast of belshazzar. 



There was feasting in the palace, 
Of, the lewdest order known, 
In honor of the gods of silver, 
Of iron, wood and stone, 
Each lord, prince and concubine, 
Indulged in orgies fine ; 
Drinking from the sacred vessels. 
The soul-polluting wine. 



He had a kingdom rich and great, 
With power and wealth beside ; 
But he gave not God the glory, 
And was hardened in his pride. 
"The kingdom from thee is departed," 
Spoke a voice from heaven then. 
Until thou knowest the Most High, 
Rules nations well as men. 

"Weighed in the balance and found wanting, 

Was written of this king, 

Who did the God of heaven dishonor. 

To Him did no tribute bring. 

Shall it be written — "found wanting,". 

When He comes our deeds to weigh? 

Shall ©ur good deeds turn the scale. 
In the great reckoning day? 

Thrones and empires, kings and nations, 

All are under the control, 

Of the King of righteousness, — 

Who loves the contrite soul. 

We must be weighed in God's balance. 

From the greatest to the least; 

Such is the instruction given : — 

Grace is our continued feast. 



382 "A GOOD MAN HAS PASSED AWAY." 

"A GOOD MAN HAS PASSED AWAY." 



Lines written in memory of my friend, Jas. Daugherty, who 
died August 29, 1898. 

Our father has gone whose loss we deplore, 

A father whom we did love. 

From this sin-trodden earth 

To enjoy a new birth 

In the home of the ransomed above. 

A loving father and husband was he, 
A Christian sincere he did live ; 
In the church of his choice 
He did always rejoice — 
Did to objects of charity give. 

A patriot true did fight for just cause, 

A soldier true he remained; 

For the Union did fight 

Thro' war's perilous night, 

And its cause by him was sustained. 

A Christian, patriot and a just man, 
Of whom can we say any more? 
He now enjoys the reward 
For which he fought hard. 
But his memory we still adore. 

St. Peter on high has opened the gates, 
He has entered triumphantly in 
Where in sweet chants of praise 
His voice he will raise. 
Freed from the dwelling's of sin. 

Dear father, we cannot forget thee ; 
Thy form in our minds will remain 
Till arrives our last day 
When we too pass away — 
In heaven be united again. 

Sept. 5, I 



"KINGS." 383 

"KINGS." 



What are kings but useless things 

The product of medieval times, 

When the strong the weak would plunder, 

Nor stopped at basest crimes. 

Amidst your glorious pomp and splendor, 

You can't convince the world to-day ; 

That you're any better than your subjects, 

Or made of finer grade of clay. 

What are kings but expensive things, 
The remnants of a feudal age, 
When they did rule by ''power divine," 
And war and conquest was the rage. 
Be the prince a wise man or a fool, 
Subalterns must in homage low, 
Wise or be unwise his regal rule, 
Great respect to "majesty" show. 

Away with such useless lumber. 
Those vastly expensive things. 
That some tottering thrones encumber, 
By courtesy are dubbed kings. 
Mankind is tired of such rulers ; 
They had royal imbeciles enough, 
To disgrace the courts of any nation, 
And by nature rude and rough. 

Step down from your perch, O royal pauper. 

And make a living for yourself ; 

Too long you've sucked your nation's blood, 

Drawn millions as your pelf, 

You must draw enormous pensions ; 

Dowers placed on each new heir, 

Till the royal budget swells to millions, 

When each one receives his share. 

If the poor man's satisfied with his burden, 
Outsiders should not complain ; 
The poor ekes out a scanty living, 
Nor can ever promotion gain. 



384 "KINGS." 

This system of nobility and lordships, 
That form a ruling class, 
Not recognizing in poor men true merit, 
Away to hades soon should pass ! 

The expense of kings with their retinues, 

Will forever keep the people poor. 

How long will men support royal paupers? 

How long- will they the scorpion whip endure ? 

Great armies and vast navies, 

Are watching each other with jealous eye; 

These are the concomitants of royalty, 

Altho' bankruptcy may be nigh. 

The people form the true foundation. 

From whom all vested powers springs; 

Men no longer acknowledge the ''right divine," 

To be forever ruled by kings. 

We may not discern the future clearly. 

There will sometime come a clash, 

When those stilted epauletted paupers. 

Shall fall in one tremendous crash. 

Whether it shall come in peace or revolution, 
^ We cannot at present say ; 

But the pompous minions of royalty, 
Will soon have had their day. 
The people misruled and impoverished, 
Will take the reins in their own hand ; 
Then down will be quickly hurled 
The long lines of ancient monarchies, 
That have for ages cursed the world. 

It is not of some reigning monarchs now, 

But of systems that we speak, 

That carry hordes of lords and nobles. 

Who oppress the poor and weak. 

Oppressed people will some day arise. 

In the grandeur of their might, 

And hurl down from the seat of power, 

Those rulers from their height. 



QUATRAIN. 385 

Republican government may not be faultless, 

Nor can we all royal rule despise ; 

But in those old effete monarchies, 

Men can by no means ever rise, 

Either by talent or education. 

In feudal times when ''might was right" 

Over-powering" force made kings ; 

But in this age when men should^ be 

From depot's chains forever free, — 

They should be stamped worthless things. 

Jan. II, 1902. 



QUATRAIN— Our Coronation. 



We believe only in one coronation: 
That of Our Savior who has brought salvation, 
Who from heaven descended of humble birth. 
Shall be crowned king of our redeemed earth. 

Jan. II, 1902. 



SNYDER'S HORSE. 



'He Avas a faithful animal ; he carried me on his back over a 
score of years in all sorts of weather and on all occasions." 
— Rev J. F. Snyder. 

My poor old horse is dead and gone; 

I have sustained a loss; 

His back I frequently rode upon. 

The hills and vales to cross. 

He was a faithful animal, 

For years more than a score ; 

I do him remember kindly, as 

The bridge that carried me 'oer. 

He carried me all the way to services. 
More than three times a dav ; 
It may be truthfully said of him, 
He had in this work grown gray. 
For marriages, death or sickness. 
He was my chief stand-by ; 
He was indeed a faithful friend ; 
In whom I could relv. 



386 "THOSE WHO DRANK ARE DEAD." 

He traveled many thousand miles, 

Let weather be smooth or rough ; 

He never ''neighed" word of complaint, 

Or "kicked" it is enough. 

He had fine "horse" intelligence, 

More than is often seen ; 

With rare quality of "horse sense," 

And alive to duty keen. 

He has left the pastor's service, 
The rough world with its care ; 
If there is a future home for horses, 
I know he has got there. 
He was indeed, a worthy steed ; 
He served his life's great end, 
Which is more than can be said, 
Of some unworthy men. 

Jan. 13, 1902. 



'THOSE WHO DRANK ARE DEAD." 



Hon. Chauncey AI. Depew, President of the New York Cen- 
tral Railroad Company, in a talk to railroad men said : 

''Twenty-five years ago I knew every man, woman and child 
in Peekskill. I was up last fall and began to count them 
over, and it was an instructive exhibit. Some of them 
became clerks, merchants, manufacturers, lavv'yers and 
doctors. It is remarkable that every one of those who 
drank is dead, not one living of my age. Barring a few 
who died from sickness, every one that proved a wreck, 
and neglected his family, did it from rum and no other 
cause." 

The author has seen this truth abundantly verified in his own 
life's experience. The greater number of those who 
drank are dead long ago, while the few that remain, are 
besotted, degraded wretches, waiting for the grave to 
cover up their worthless remains. 

Stand up boys, till I count the roll. 
Of those refined young men. 
Who 25 or more years ago, 
Were in physical vigor then. 



"THOSE WHO DRANK ARE DEAD." 387 

Many answer not to their name, 
Nor can they on earth be found ; 
Their drinking habits have shortened life; 
They 

have 

all 

gone 

down. 

Some became clerks and merchants, 
Did important positions fill ; 
While others became worthless bummers, 
Who were descending the hill. 
Many who were good scholars then, 
Might have gained high renown ; 
The drinking habit has been their bane; 
They 

have 

all 

gone 

• down. 

x\ll those church-going people. 
Who are temperate now, as then. 
Have become exemplary citizens ; 
The town's most honored men. 
Others, debased with gambling, drink. 
A drunkard's grave have found; 
Their whole lives have been a failure ; — 
They 

have 

all 

gone 

down. 

Naught on earth like unsullied manhood; 
A character bright will shine ; 
Sobriety's always regarded good ; — 
Then shun the accursed wine. 



388 "MORE ARE THE CHILDREN OF THE DESOLATE. 

Those who dishonor themselves by drink 
Lose virtue's jeweled crown; 
Soon will be forgot the drunken sot ; 
They 

have 

all 

gone 

down. 

How vain it seems to preach or reason ; 
Or even control it by laws ; 
Men Avill break the commandments all, 
Spurn religion's sacred cause. 
Yet the truth that here we tell, 
Disputed is by none ; 
''The way of the transgressor's hard ;" 
They 

have 

all 

gone 

down. 



MORE ARE THE CHILDREN OF THE DESOLATE 
THAN THE CHILDREN OF THE MARRIED WIFE." 

Isaiah 54-1. 



Jerusalem and the church are typified by the "desolate;" the 
gentile nations around by the "married woman." "The 
fulfillment of this is to be looked for in the accession of 
the Gentiles." — ^Albert Barnes. 

Sing O barren, lift up thy voice ; 

Bid the desolate woman rejoice; 

Her strain of exultation raise ; 

The church of God persecuted oft, 

Was commanded her banners to raise aloft, 

Her voice sound Jehovah's praise. 

Altho' she seemed small and destitute, 
Yet firmly planted was her root : 
In trouble did on her maker call. 
Who always heard His children's voice, 
Made them in future days rejoice, 
Among the heathen in numbers small. 



"MORE ARE THE CHILDREN OF THE DESOLATE." 389 

Thou art with thy husband now reconciled, 
The Gentile's family in sin defiled, 
Shall enter thy open gates : 
Jerusalem that long has sterile been. 
Shall see her children flocking in. 
From the Gentile world's estates. 

The covenant which JehoA-ah made. 
When foes against her were arrayed, 
Should with His chosen people stand ; 
It should be more lasting than the hill ; 
His beneficent and righteous will, 
Would be supported by His hand. 

Their condition would then glorious be; 
They would their future triumphs see ; 
Her church on firm foundations rise, 
Of sapphires and of precious stone, 
Most splendid superstructure known, 
Up towering to the skies. 

She would be safe from oppression, fear 

Of armed foes or enemies near; 

God was her protecting shield ; 

No weapon against her should prevail 

Nor prosper — -they would totally fail; 

Nor 3^et to allied forces yield. 

The church would have accessions great; 
The unmarried woman or ''desolate," 
Should in numbers great unfold ; 
The barren female at length should bear, 
Being under Jehovah's special care ; 
All nations Avould enter her fold. 



Enlarge the bounds of thy dwelling-tent, 
Thy saving word to all nations sent: 
"Strengthen thy stakes, lengthen thy cord ;" 
Thy maker is thy husband good, 
Remember not thy widowhood. 
For thy Redeemer is th}^ Lord. 



390 THE POPULAR VERDICT. 

Thou shalt break forth on thy right hand ; 

On thy left shall waiting millions stand ; 

Thy seed shall inherit the earth ; 

The Gentile nations at thy call, 

Shall be constrained in thy rank to fall ; 

Gethsemene proclaimed new birth. 

No flood or storm can her butress shock ; 
She's founded upon the solid rock ; 
God shall take care of His own ; 
Inhabit the new Jerusalem shall they ; 
His saints all clad in bright array, 
Shall behold their Savior on His throne. 

Jan. 13, 1902. 
Note. — This chapter will bear considerable study; take down 
your best commentary and find the best interpretation of 
the prophetic word. — Author. 



THE POPULAR VERDICT. 



Admiral Schley's victory at Santiago in which the ships under 
his command, sunk the Spanish squadron. 

The verdict is unanimous ; 
Don't ask the reason why ; 
He sunk the Spanish squadron, 
He made the splinters fly. 
Sampson was ten miles away ; 
Nor of the conflict knew : 
Yet he wished to gain the credit, 
For what he didn't do. 



Chorus — The verdict is unani 



mous, etc. 



The American.people are a unit, 

Their judgment stands alone, 

For him who lowered the colors. 

Of the saucy Spanish Don. 

A man of valor, truth and honor. 

Having no cavalier's pretense ; 

He was no ''caitifl"" nor "poltroon," 

In any military sense. 

Chorus — The verdict is unanimous, etc. 



THE CHRISTIA?s'S HOME. 391 

Those charming boards of ''stategy," 

Are for poor wisdom known ; 

They fight their foes on paper, 

And show how battle's won, 

If our hero failed to run those lines, 

Or turn a certain "loop," 

His shells bore do^yn the enemy. 

And placed them in the "soup." 

Chorus — The verdict is unanimous, etc. 

The Avorld gives credit to the man, 
Of unflinching courage true ; 
Not to the man who put in claims, 
For what he didn't do. 
"Honor to wliom honor is due :" 
Opinion will not swerve, 
But will ahvays give the credit, 
To those who it deserve. 

Chorus — The verdict is unanimous, etc. 

Feb. 10, 1902. 



THE CHRISTIAN'S HOME. 



Air: — "My Old Kentucky Home." 

The sun shines bright on the true Christian's home 

The Sunday school children are gay ; 

They all are marching to the kingdom come 

In the Savior's own appointed way. 

The young folks indulge not in sinning more. 

Their path is radiant and bright ; 

The}^ enter the courts of Him who is the door. 

And bask in the regions of light. 

Weep no more poor sinner ; 

Your sins are washed awa}' ; 

Let us sing one song of our future home. 

Beautiful home that is fairer than dav. 



392 GETHSEMENE. 

They walk no more in the pathways of sin : 

Bid all sinful desires depart; 

They have happiness without, peace within, 

Love of the Savior fills the heart. 

The time has come when we must make choice, 

When the heart is glowing with love ; 

When we must listen to the Savior's voice, 

And work for His kingdom above. 

Weep no more, poor sinner, etc. 

A few rolling- years in their course will go. 

Till our life's story will be told; 

And we earthly troubles no more shall know, 

Resting in the great Shepherd's fold. 

We are now passing through a weary land. 

We enter a kingdom that's bright ; 

Where we will ever dwell at Christ's right hand; 

We then can bid the world good-night. 

Weep no more, poor sinner, etc. Jan. 27, 1902. 



GETHSEMENE.— A Sacred Ode. 



Gethsemene, Gethsemene, 

Can we the scenes forget. 

That happened in this sacred place — 

On Mount of Olivet? 

Most solemn thing earth e'er did see. 

Occurred in dark Gethsemene. 

The Savior was a captive led, 

By Roman soldier band : 

Reviling words were to Him said. 

As they tightly bound His hand. 

May our hearts to-day be drawn to thee, 

Gethsemene, Gethsemene. 

One who had long with Jesus stood. 

Did now his Lord betray. 

Do you and I stand with the good, 

Or in the sinner's way? 

May we dear Lord, remember thee, 

Gethsemene, Gethsemene. 



A TRIBUTE. 393 

Do you and I with Jesus stand, 

Or found among His foes? 

Are we among the Savior's band, 

Or do His will oppose? 

May we dear Lord stand up for thee — 

Gethsemene, Gethsemene. 

But heaven's joy now opens up, 

In Jerusalem above ; 

Can we partake the Savior's cup, 

Enjoy His feast of love? 

May we dear Lord remember Thee, 

Who prayed in dark Gethsemene. 

]\Tarch 29, 1902. 



A TRIBUTE 

To ''Boots" McDermott the mascot of the Tenth Regiment 
who fought under Admiral Dewey at Alanila, May ist, 
1898, when the Spanish fleet was sunk. 

It was on the good Olympia's deck, 

With Dewey in command. 

That "Boots" a gallant Pittsburg boy, 

Did fighting nobly stand. 

He handed up the shot and shell. 
The Spanish in great numbers fell ; 
He did his duty very well. 
When Dewey sunk the fleet at ^.lanila. 

We must admire thee, daring boy : 

A portion small of fame, 

Shall still preserve the luster, 

That attaches to thy name. 

No fear did strike this loyal heart. 
As a true soldier did his part, 
While battle raged did not depart. 
Till DcAvey sunk the fleet at ^iianila. 

Three cheers for "Boots" and three times three ■ 
Be given for all the crew\ 
That sent the Dons beneath the wave, 
Which was done with courage true. 



394 DAYS OF BOYHOOD. 

The memory of this deed now past 
Will live as long as time shall last, 
For Dewey's shells flew thick and fast, 
AVhen he sunk the fleet at Manila. 

Down fell the tyrant's pennant ; 

And now our meed of praise, 

Is due to every gallant hero 

Who did freedom's banner raise. 
Sound the anthem peal the chime, 
Loud to be heard in every clime, 
For this the grandest act of time, 
When Dewey gave freedom to IManila. 



DAYS OF BOYHOOD. 



In my early days of boyhood, 

Conveniences were rare ; 

I oft trampled through the forest, 

With legs and ankles bare. 

Nature with her wild surroundings. 

Might be fitly termed rude ; — 

A cabin built with unhewn timber. 

Stood in this piece of wood. 

Fond memory brings in retrospect. 

The clear spring wdiere it stood. 

We were in harmony with nature ; 
The squirrel and the bird, 
- Made the only rural music, 
That our early boyhood heard. 
In a stream down by the meadow. 
There was a little pond. 
Where we caught the tiny minnow, 
For of fishing we were fond. 
We enjoyed the world much better. 
Than in days that w^ere beyond. 

The master had a six-foot rod, 
Was monarch of the school', 
With this he enforced obedience. 
For quite stern was his rule, 
In letters large above the board 



DEWEY'S VICTORY. 396 

Were seen the words — ''Do right;" 

This was the only rule he had, . . ; 

And could be learned at sight. ; • 

He seldom practiced ''moral suasion/' - 

But enforced the rule of might. ; 

My mother used to turn the w^heel 

Till fingers were thread-bare, 

To spin the thread of which was made, 

The clothes we used to wear. 

Men who were married twenty years 

Still had their wedding suit ; 

Dame fashion had no charms for them, 

Nor varieties to boot. 

Still virtue and religion reigned. 

Vice had not taken root. 

My father swung the tumbling shaft, 

An overhead machine that, 

Threshed the buckwheat, rye and oats ; 

The wind mill made them clean. 

Old cabin has forever gone ; 

Where the small structure stood. 

Stands a new modern building. 

Has disappeared the wood ; 

But fond memor}^ back will wander, 

To the little cabin rude. 



DEWEY'S VICTORY— May i, 1898. 



No. 2. 

The sun Jiad not shone o'er Manila bay; 

The Spanish ensign flying- high ; 

The Olympia led in a battle line. 

Belching forth fire that illumed the sky. 

Our flag soon in majesty waved o'er the scene ; 

The Spanish admiral had to lie low; 

Our gallant admiral swept the bay clean, 

Till he had wholly vanquished his foe. 

The roaring cannon with thunder did speak. 

In reverberating tones quite plain. 

That boded swift destruction to the strong. 

And well-built armaments of Spain. 



396 "TttE UNION CAUSE " 

When tyranny cruel and oppression fell, 
Earth and the heavens joined in applause ; 
Poor down-trodden mortals yet shall tell 
Of the benefits of freedom and better laws. 
The islands of the far luxuriant East, 
Shall hail the incoming morn of light ; 
The extortions of the tyrant shall cease, 
With a new dawn of freedom shining bright. 
The tyrant's rod and the oppressor's yoke 
Must in this new-born century fail ; 
Mankind no more must feel the stroke, 
But will a better civilization hail. 

As the true result of great victor}^ 
Over Orient Islands far remote. 
And the ushering- in of a better day, 
Shall the stars and stripes proudly float. 
The victory achieved at Manila bay. 
O'er bristling forts and warships won. 
Dates the beg'inning- of a much better day 
For the peoples beneath an Orient sun. 
Victory so grand we can scarce comprehend, 
So decisive, brilliant and great ; 
In this glorious achievement must end 
The aggressions and yoke of a tyrant state. 
Soon the tropical isles of the Orient, 
Where nature's beauty resplendent shone, 
Shall rejoice that freedom now is sent, 
Which had been for centuries long unknown. 



'THE; UNION CAUSE. 



Never g-ive up the ship." — Lawrence. 
''Never give up the Union." — Author. 

Written in July, 1.863, when the conflict seemed to be uncer- 
tain ; when the Union cause wavered in the balance. 

We never shall give up the cause 
For which our fathers bled ; 
For Union's sake and Freedom's laws, 
By the blood that has been shed. 



"THE UNION CAUSE." 397 

While a rebel band pollutes the land, 
Or breathes a rebellious foe, 
Our martial flag shall o'er hini tread, 
And lay the traitor low. 

We shall fight with jealous pride, 

For Liberty and Right; 

The God of battle's on our side, 

With His assisting might. 

Altho' we plunge in carnage red, 

W^e can never, never yield 

The Union for which our fathers bled, 

On many a battlefield. 

We may lie in patriot's graves, 

But give up to a crew, 

That would keep a race of slaves, 

Will never, never do. 

Our fathers left us this fair land, " 

A heritage to be, 

From lake to lake from strand to strand. 

The homestead of the free. 

We never will give up the cause. 

By the widow's wail and tear ; 

For Freedom's just and righteous laws, 

By the God we love and fear. 

While a traitor band walks the land. 

Our flag will defiance show. 

Until there's not a traitorous hand, 

Or breathes a defiant foe. 

Shall the many lives that have been lost 

Have fought and died in vam ? 

No ; however fearful the cost. 

Our Union must remain. 

We humbly pray that peace again. 

Shall reign upon our shore ; 

Extend abroad through our domain, 

And war be heard no more. 



398 ADDENDA. 

Just is the cause of the Union side, 

To each American dear ; 

We cannot as two nations abide, 

Living as neighbors near. 

Justice, Liberty and Right, 

Shall continue ours to be. 

O God of battles, in thy might, 

We trust our cause to Thee. 



ADDENDA. 

Jan. 9, 1902. 
The land of Washington and Lincoln, 
Has seen a second birth ; 
Arisen in the heavens, her sun 
Has not perished from the earth. 
From the Gulf to the Lake's shore, 
Dedicated must be, 
Our land to Freedom evermore ; 
The homestead of the free. 

Those who warred as foes before. 
Have since fought side bv side ; 
The seeds of hatred are no more, 
In each there's loyal pride. 
One flag, one Union, we'll remain ; 
Peace at home and abroad ; 
We as true brothers live again. 
Our future rests in God. 



THE TWENTIETH CENTURY. 



The horizon of the Eastern sky is being gilded 

By the dawning of a century new ; 

The clouds of night away are passing; 

A glorious vision is opening into view. 

Who believes in God must "^face this sunrise : 

It takes no seer to forecast a brighter day. 

When the grievous errors of the past, 

Shall by Omnipotence be swept away. 

There approaches a day for better government 

Than our busy world has ever known 



THE TWENTIETH CENTURY. 399 

When floods of light from press and pulpit 

Shall have to earth's darkest corners gone. 

God's beneficent purpose surely shall unfold ; 

Truth and knowledge shall reign the world o'er ; 

Hushed the cry of intolerance and oppression ; 

The wine press of God's wrath shall not be trodden more. 

After the lapse of hoary centuries the 

First glimmering rays are shown. 

True statesmanship shall not be measured 

By subservience to any reigning "Boss ;" 

Men whose conscience are enlightened, 

Must first look up to Calvary's cross. 

Republican government has never seen 

The dawning of such auspicious hour ; 

The knaves who robbed men in the past. 

Shall as with an avalanche be hurled from power. 

All rejoice in what is now accomplished ; 

In future triumphs your songs of victory sing. 

There is an education soon acoming. 
Better than any on the page of time ; 
Knowledge and science will be universal ; 
And ignorance will be considered a crime. 
Education and religion must be extended 
To each colony beyond the rolling sea ; 
These alone will make intelligent citizens, 
Who will build up institutions of the free. 
Let us mark the course of God's great chariot : 
The grandeur of the work truly is sublime. 

Our world has not seen anything that 

For excellence to the future will compare ; 

Earth's most degraded nations will 

The blessings of true civilization share. 

The watchmen on the towers of Zion 

Shall in trumpet tones dismay the hosts of sin. 

The old books of Moses and the Gospels 

Shall million converts into the kingdom win. 

Do you and I belong to God's battalions? 

Do we aid this movement by our voice and prayer? 



400 THE HUSBAND— MAN. 

Christianity with irresistible progress, 

Will storm the forts of infidelity and sin ; 

Not all the m3^rmidons below can stop it ; 

The ''sword of the spirit" of the Lord 

Of hosts every time will win. 

The Eastern sky is now gilded with a glory, 

That requires no great discernment far : 

Jehovah shall reign among all nations 

In retinue of glory in His triumphal car. 

A world once dead, but now regenerated. 

In the sunshine of His presence shall evermore abide. 



THE HUSBAND— MAN. 



Dedicated tO' our many benedicts. 

The husband — man's a married man, 

We sometimes pity his fate ; 

He usually does the best he can 

Spending his money up to date. 

There are many things to engage his mind. 

As his days and hours onward roll ; 

He has multitudes of pressing wants. 

And little time for his soul. 

He works for a soulless corporation ; 

He may be in life's prime; 

But he must certainly know his fate. 

If he don't reach his shop in time. 

No company desires nor wants, 

A plodding mortal and slow ; 

The man that can always do the work, 

Is the one that need not ''go." 

Year after year in ceaseless labor. 
His da3^s and months are spent ; 
His store bill grows at a rapid rate, 
While the landlord calls for rent. 
Then comes insurance, doctor bills, 
And other debts by the score ; 
The average man is with terror filled. 
For fear there may be some more. 




Railroad Men, 



THE EAILROAD MAN. 401 

This mortars a much married man, 
His cares are a thousand-and-one ; 
He never can find much time for rest, 
Nor the time wlien his work is done. 
What with the keeping of a family large 
Paying his order's monthly dues. 
For he must remain in ''good standing," 
Nor dare the agent refuse. 

If he gets rich 'tis a miracle 

His wife and children small 

Can usually spend his earnings 

Never saving a cent at all. 

The vacation season comes around ; 

The wife must take a look, 

Before she starts for Atlantic Cit3^ 

At the roll in her pocketbook. 

The husband-man must support his wife, 
Let her be indifferent or good ; 
Trials of all kinds come in this life ; 
The struggles' for clothes and food. 
There are some problems we cannot solve, 
Nor a way to get around them plan ; 
There may be some spots of bliss in the life, 
Of the averaofe husband-man. 



THE RAILROAD MAN. 



My business in life is a railroad man ; 
Training makes me do the best that I can ; 
Whether pulling the throttle or at the brake, 
My life is an arduous one, at stake. 
When I pull out on a moving train, 
I know not that I shall return again. 
Though I may exercise greatest care, 
Unknown mishaps lurk everywhere. 
When my shining mogul starts up steam. 
Her deafening whistles loudly scream ; 
I take my post with little thought 
Of the present or my future lot. 
Away we are bounding up the road, 



402 THE RAILROAD MAX. 

Let the tracks be clear or deeply snowed. 

Of water and coal there is no lack, 

We increase our speed along the tracks ; 

Away we bound with increasing power, 

Till we slacken up near the signal tower. 

A telegram tells that stop must we, 

Until there passes a long P. G. 

Train loads of perishable freight 

Must reach destination in perfect state. 

As we ascend the grade, feel the engine strain, 

We take a pride in our crew and train. 

No man at his work any danger feels. 

Though fire may issue from the wheels. 

A switch may or not be left open wide ; 

The train is dumped over the embankment's side' 

Those gather themselves up who are not dead ; 

This is a finale to rushing ahead. 

In this sad wreck some lives are lost ; 

Perhaps the company's good for the cost 

In a damage suit that may ensue : 

The heir's lawyer will put the company thro'. 

Whether ascending the hill or going dow^n, 

The men at their post are always found ; 

A braver set of men you cannot find 

In peace or war or the trades combined. 

We scarce do justice to the men that stand, 

Looking ahead with throttle in hand. 

Not one of the crew^ from his duty swerves ; 

Each one is made of iron nerves. 

But the sacrifice of life to speed. 

Is not what sensible people need. 

In this crowded world of jam and push, 

A dangerous thing is too great rush ; 

Men must literally race or fly. 

If wreck ensues so that they die. 

Commerce to-day is the reigning king; 

All nations to him their tribute bring. 

Each great company rivals are ; 

In carrying freights must have their share. 

So in this our rushing busy day, 

Expert men have the right of way. 

The iron horse with resonant sound, 



WHAT SHALL WE DO WITH OUR BoYS? 403 

Will awaken earth the circle around. 

Those organizations that trade unfold, 

Are more powerful than kings now or of old. 

Those men that manage ten thousand trains, 

Are endowed with intellect, genius, brains. 

They vie with old Sol in his chariot race ; 

Almost annihilate time and space. 

This is. indeed an age of inventive art. 

In which electric motor and steam take part. 

Talk as you will about life on the rail. 

There are more succeed than those who fail. 

Where can we find better men, I ask again, 

Than those who manage a car or train ? 

He discharges his duty as best he can ; 

A responsible place holds the railroad man. 



WHAT SHALL WE DO WITH OUR BOYS? 



What shall we do with our boys? 
To bring them up straight as a rule. 
Train them well in their early years, 
And send them to some good school. 
How shall we best educate them? 
Has been asked again and again. 
It has been a standing conundrum, 
That is likely to always remain. 

What shall we give to our boys 
To do them the greatest good? 
Among the essentials are clothing, 
Abundance of well-cooked food. 
Correct principles, honest and just, 
Are considered a very fine thing; 
To him who is their possessor. 
Mankind their tribute will bring. 

What shall we do with our boys? 
Viewing the case as we may. 
They are increasing by thousands. 
We knoAv they are coming to stay. 



404 WHAT SHALL WE DO Wrm OVR BOYS? 

For them we must make provision, 
Though it be a thing of expense ; 
They are the hope of the nation, 
And rulers not many years hence. 

Sound instruction and good training, 
Though we give our boy Httle pelf, 
Will give to him this advantage, 
To prepare him for helping himself. 
To eminence there is no royal road ; 
Promotion comes wholly of .merit ; 
Position gained thus is much better, 
Than if he did it inherit. 

The question asked may answer itself, 
If the boy has ambition to rise, 
Difificulties will disappear; 
Perseverance will win a prize. 
A boy born with bank-stock or money, 
By educational advantages led. 
May not sO' often succeed in life, 
As the poor boy who forges ahead. 

Sterling integrit}^ must be the rule, 
Born with many talents or few; 
Scrupulous honesty in your work. 
Will always carry you through. 
Those man}^ short-cut roads tO' fortune, 
Have always a downward trend ; 
Wealth piled up thus in the beginning, 
Will vanish away in the end. 

Success is not measured by money made. 

This axiom is always true :, 

A boy's usefulness in this world, 

Is measured by what he can do. 

There's a completeness that gives value. 

In just one thing we can do well; 

The Jack of many trades and professions. 

Cannot in any oiie excel. 



THE MAN ON THE KOAD. 405 

"Great opportunities make great men." 
Varied are the gifts that nature brings ; 
Since all cannot be bank presidents, 
They must be content with smaller things. 
The trained eye, the creative mind, 
That skillfully guides the hand, 
May discover new forces of nature, 
None before did understand. 

The mystic unknown forces of nature, 
The occult psychic powers of the mind, 
Will be studied with increasing vigor, 
Until they grander inventions find. 
In the fields of physics and metaphysics, 
There are unknown areas to explore, 
Where men will scientific facts discover, — 
Still further on looking for more. 

These commonplace topics the parent will haunt, 

Let him order them as he will ; 

For they are like unto Banquo's ghost. 

They make their appearance still. 

If I had a hundred boys of m)^ own. 

Which thank the Lord I have not, 

I'd force each one to go it alone, 

And strike while the iron's hot. 

Notes : — Mystic — Involving some secret meaning. 
Psychic — Relating to the human soul. 
Physics — Science of natural objects. 

Metaph^^sics — Scientific knowledge of mental phenome- 
na ; mental philosophy. 

Scientific — Depending on the principles of science. 
Conundrum — A puzzling- question. — Webster. 



THE MAN ON THE ROAD. 



You all have seen the man on the road. 
Selling some new invention or thing; 
With a grip in hand he reaches your door, 
Gives your bell a terrible ring. 



406 THE MAN ON THE ROAD. ^ 

With manners polite, a courteous bow, 
He will in suave language say : 
"I have brand new patterns here along, 
Which'l wish to show you to-day." 

"These are new goods, no swindle or cheat. 

Your attention a minute just please; 

I'm taking orders from all your neighbors ; 

I know you want some of these. 

I represent a large business house ; 

Am dioing an honest trade. 

Please examine these samples and see, 

The truh of what I have said." 

"My baby is cross — dinner to get; 

Besides I'm too -busy to talk." 

The agent cudgelled his wits together, 

Before he started tO' walk. 

Now comes the decisive moment; 

The road man knows full well. 

That he must use some strategy. 

For he is determined to sell. 

One moment more, a bargain I offer, 

You own my samples are fine; 

Cash or installment, I take your order, 

What is your taste in this line? 

The lady examines hundreds of samples ; 

And finally says after all, 

Bring me six yards of black Henrietta; 

I'll pay you next month when vou call. 

The road man will many discouragements meet, 

Be the receiver of many a slight ; 

He must be a gentleman, keep his temper. 

Always treating his customers right. 

Some of the great men of the world. 

In the field of art, letters or trade, 

Have sold books or other inventions ; 

Reputation and money have made. 



LIVES OF RICH MEN. 407 

The people are not all perfect Christians, 

With whom the road man would trade ; 

He will find some who would cheat the devil ; 

And others nearly as bad. 

Many will promises make to pay, 

Which they only intend to break ; 

Many will hide behind lies and deception ; 

No money give — but your goods will take. 

The giving of credit may not be bad ; 

But exemption laws are a curse ; 

It helps not honest men but rogues. 

And makes collecting worse. 

Dishonest folks all take advantage, 

To repudiate their debt; 

When a State law thus will shield them, 

You cannot your monc}^ get. 



We started to speak of the agent, 
But now we're off the track. 
Please excuse this short digression, 
And permit us to wander back. 
When the poor road man comes along, 
If you for him have no regard, 
Do not hiss the dog upon him. 
But permit him to leave the yard. 



LIVES OF RICH MEN— With Apologies to Longfellow. 



Lives of rich men all remind us, 

If we but pinch and screw. 

We may fortunes leave behind us. 

As those noted persons do. 

To our daughters, sons or friends. 

Who, for more grasping still, 

May employ a lot of lawyers. 

To break the old man's will. 

Lives of rich men all remind us. 
That they were born to hold. 
All our earth in subjugation. 
And pile up all its gold. 



408 LIVES OF RICH MEN. 

O'er earth's wide extended continents, 
Where shall we look to-day, 
Where the many multi-millionaires, 
Do not have fullest sway ? 
Many billioned corporations, 
Now the world's riches own ; 
Strangled to death is competition ; 
These are now earths Kings alone. 

Lives of rich men all remind us, 
That those called the upper ten, 
May not enjoy the world better, 
Than the most of common men. 
Everybody wants to be rich ; 
But fortune's favorite few, 
Can only amass the millions, 
While others scarce pull through. 

Lives of rich men all remind us, 

It is neither wise nor great, 

To ape some rich mens methods. 

Nor their vices emulate. 

"Give me neither poverty nor riches," 

Was a request of old. 

Which bears the marks of true wisdom 

And wisdom's more than gold. 

Lives of rich men all remind us. 
That riches are a snare ; 
That the burglar's ever watching. 
That he may get a share. 
Notwithstanding all that's said 
Upon this matter which 
Seems really so important, 
I rather would be rich. 

Lives of rich men all remind us. 
We can make our lives sublime. 
By gathering up golden nuggets. 
From the deep sands of time. 
These stocked away in savings bank, 
On the six percentum plan, 
Will, if they do not make you rich. 
At least an independent man. 



GOD DEFENDS THE RIGHT. 409 

GOD DEFENDS THE RIGHT. 



"Dieu defend le droit." 

Have you some enterprise before you, 
In which you help will need ; 
But to get this aid from others, 
Is a hard task indeed. 
But do not give up the struggle, 
Work with all main and might ; 
For you have this grand assurance, 
God will defend the right. 

The hero must expect his struggle ; 

Each man living has his foe, 

Who may be in some ambusli waiting, 

To strike a sudden blow. 

Have your armor on, be guarded ; 

Be prepared for any fight, 

Fearing not to do 3^our duty ; 

God will defend the right. 

What you least expect may happen ; 

Time always brings surprise ; 

What you thought was sure will vanish, 

And something else arise. 

{[in the world's field of endeavor, 

In whatsoever plight. 

Keep up courage, never falter ; 

God will defend the right. 

In circumstance however poor. 
There are some worse than you. 
To Avhom life seems but a burden. 
Whose g'ifts are very few. 
Knowing this 'tis truest wisdom. 
Though clouds appear in sight. 
To brave the storm and the tempest ; 
God will defend the right. 



410 A HOME OF MY OAVN. 

Be as courageous as you can, 

And be a hero called ; 

Climb the parapet with sword in hand, 

And scale the cities walled. 

The world always has a place, 

For those who ascend the height ; 

In whatever circumstance, 

God will defend the right. 



A HOME OF MY OWN. 



"Home, sweet home, there's no place like home." — Payne. 
I expect some day to own a home, 
A snug little place of my own, 
When I return from daily toil, 
Where I can be master alone. 
I greet my dear wife smiling there, 
A quiet place I shall find ; 

Though our sideboard be of some things bare, 
We have a contented mind. 

A home of my own, a home of my own. 
Will be a dear spot to me, - 
Where I can have a charming wife, 
A¥ith a baby on her knee. 

A loving hand the pail prepares, 

As he forth to work doth go ; 

There is a devotion in the home. 

Which only the married know. 

"Good-bye, dear, till I'm home again," 

He lovinglv utters this, 

While he draws his face up close to hers, 

Imprints on her cheek a kiss. 

The husband comes humming a tune. 
From his daily round of toil ; 
Though but a small proprietor, 
He is the owner of the soil. 
Supper ready they now sit down, 
And chat and talk with glee ; 
We have a lesson of happiness here. 
And the home what it ought to be. 



BOYS, AVOID CIGARETTE SMOKING. 411 

Stop this burden of paying rent, 

And save for a rainy day; 

Remember each cent saved will count; 

Then bank part of each pay. 

The king on his throne no happier is, 

Though ranking high in estate, 

Than they who own a well-ordered home, 

Where peace and happiness wait. 

Happy is the man who owns the soil ; 

His is a patriot's breast; 

No socialism can enter there^ 

To disturb his mind of rest. 

I love this our land of freedom ; 

Children in married life that come ; 

But nought on earth is a paradise, 

But the sanctified bright home. 

A home of my own, a home of my own, 
Is a dear place to me, 
Where I can have a loving wife. 
With a baby on each knee. 



BOYS, AVOID CIGARETTE SMOKING. 



If you wish to grow up healthy men. 

Throw filthy habits aside ; 

Preserve your bodies pure and clean,' 

In virtue take some pride. 

Why should you dwarf and shorten life. 

Become a worthless "bloke?" 

Being a fiend of cigarettes, 

You end your life in smoke. 

You need not copy habits bad, 

Such as surely will destroy. 

The heart, the mind, the nervous system, 

Of an}-' reckless boy. 

You need not copy the sinner who 

Smokes fifteen cigars a day. 

Who always has money to burn, 

And none his debts to pay. 



412 TO LIVE IS GRAND. 

Perhaps telling you now is useless, 
Your bad habit drags you down ; 
A decent dog would avoid you, 
Would not be with you found. 
If life has any value to you, 
Change vile habits while you may ; 
For once take this unsought advice 
Throw your cigarette away. 



TO LIVE IS GRAND. 



How grand it is to learn to live 

In this our progressive age, 

When there are many attractive things, 

Our attention to engage. 

'Tis time you learn life's alphabet; 

Get all the lessons well ; 

If you are now a tyro, 

You may some day excel. 

Wihat is grander, nobler, better, 

As you advance to graduate. 

Than to know that you are master. 

Of some science up to date. 

Life should be one of progression. 

If we e'er attain success ; 

We can little here accomplish, 

If our mind is set on less. 

We know not what the future. 

For us may have in store ; 

The present time is opportune. 

We have promise of no more. 

Make life one of gradations. 

This is the best we know ; 

He who aspires to better things, 

Fulfills life's law below. 

CALLS. 



Once I called upon a lady, ' 

Whom I wished to be my frau ; 
The course of true love ne'er run smoothly, 
And it didn't do It now. 



CALLS. 413 



She was a handsome "petit maiden, 
As one would wish to seek ; 
She wore eye-glasses on her nose, 
And powder on her cheek. 

Whether she was high or lowly bred, 

It didn't matter much ; 

Whether of genuine Yankee blood. 

Of English or of Dutch. 

I asked her at a singing school, 

If I with her could go. 

Have the pleasure of her company ; 

She tartly answered — "No." 

She had a Greek or Roman nose, 

I never could tell which ; 

But worst of faults can be condoned, 

When papa is quite rich. 

Whether she could bake or sew or spin, 

I never took a thought ; 

Because the usual suitor's spooney, 

Has small discernment got. 

You all have heard of ''knock-out" drops, 

Used by deceitful art ; 

But this thing almost killed my hopes. 

And nearly broke my heart. 

But time always effects a cure ; 

I this consolation sought : 

"There are as good fishes in the sea," 

As those that have been caught. 

I soon got cured of things like these, 
Nor placed on her much blame ; 
I kncAv the ^tate was large enough, 
To find another dame. 
I summoned up all needed courage, 
Went out again to "spark ;" 
Found a much better partner who 
Clung to me like the bark. 



414 THE COMMON SCHOOL. 

This thing of marrying at random, 

May coimtless troubles bring; 

Few matches now are made in heaven, 

But they are the proper thing. 

Take care, beware, my wooing brother, 

How you for life decide ; 

For your weal or woe is centered, 

In her you make your bride. 

Traveling on the extensive plains, 

You may encounter squalls ; 

Yo'U ne'er can know what will happen, 

When you are making calls. 

Love may break out like the chicken-pox. 

Or cupiJ strike his dart : 

You can not tell how it happened, 

You won the lady's heart. 



THE COMMON SCHOOL—The People's Alma Mater. 



Those modest little houses that stand 
Neither imposing nor fine 
In architectural beauty nor finish, 
Fulfill an important design. 
Millions of citizens yet to be 
Find in these halls that lore 
To aid them in life's struggle ; 
Some never get any more. 

Then let directors, teachers, people, 

In a solid phalanx strong, 

Give their best efforts tO' this cause, 

And move it right along. 

Each young American's a sovereign, 

And owns a noble birth ; 

We can make American schools,- 

Most useful things on earth. 

The tide of glory of a nation, 
Its living' grandeur true, 
Depends not alone on education, 
But on its virtue too. 



IF MEN WOULD ONLY RISE. 415 

Imperial power and splendor did 
O'er the ancient world sway ; 
Mighty nations and great cities, 
Have long turned to decay. 

But resplendent in the Occident, , 

A star arose and bright ; 

Proud monarchs stood in amazement, 

When they beheld the sight. 

And once more upon time's pages, 

In the history of our race, 

The institution planted, 

Had found a genial place. 

Forever palsied be the hand 

That Avould raze the common school ; 

Our nation's rulers have decreed, 

That intelligence must rule. 

With the Bible always open, 

And education free, 

Our youth shall preserve the Charter, 

That giveth liberty. 

Sweet boon of freedom long forbidden, 
With power holds full sway ; 
Virtue, peace and independence, 
Are our towers of strength to-day. 
Long live the American teacher, 
And perpetual be his rule ; 
And long may the starr)^ banner. 
Wave o'er each common school. 



IF MEN WOULD ONLY RISE. 



If men of this world would rise 

Out of their dismal swamp 

Of sensuality and vice 

With reeking odors damp, 

Away from the dangerous pit-falls, 

Where gleams deceptive light 

Unto that purer atmosphere 



416 THE ARISTOCRAT. 

Of virtue's sublime height, 

Where exists the air of heaven, 

They, would that happiness attain 

Which will from virtue come. 

And realize a foretaste of that 

Better, future home. 

Vice is synonomous of hell, 

While virtue's a prototype of heaven. 

If men in this view would rest. 

Life's burdens off would roll ; 

They would dwell in realms more blest, 

That elevates the soul. 

If men of this world would rise 

To this extended plain. 

They would enjoy a Paradise 

Which won't be closed a.o-ain. 



THE ARISTOCRAT. 



Some people are blest with little, 
And some have over-much ; 
Some enjoy a middle position ; 
There are very many such. 
Some trifle away their money, 
Enjoy a living that's fat ; 
Are known by their extravagance,- 
The modern aristocrat. 

They labor not nor do they spin ; 
They do the world no good ; 
They do not have an appetite, 
To assimilate their food. 
Unearned capital they spend. 
We ask the question what 
Good to any community is 
The modern aristocrat? 

Extravagance may lend a charm ; 
The born wealthy without brains, 
May revel in his father's income. 
While a dollar there remains. 



THE ARISTOCRAT. 4J7 



They who judiciously scatter wealth, 
May gain some praise for that ; 
A man of wealth may bless the world — 
Still be an aristocrat. 

The country's real aristocrat- 
He may not millions own, 
Is he who owns his farm or home, 
Where is no mortgage known. 
Where he can enjoy some solid comfort, 
Doing many things that 
Add to his peace of mind and happiness, 
A model aristocrat. 

He who labors for his income 

With brave heart and willing hands. 

To gain an honest livelihood, 

Fulfills the law's commands. 

He may not be a politician, 

A preacher and all that; 

But he's one of nature's noblemen, 

A true-born aristocrat. 

He makes the wealth of the nation ; 
His sun-burnt sinewy hands 
Mold the rough product into forms 
Which great value now commands.. 
Single-minded, hearty and honest. 
He may not in stocks grow fat ; 
But the world depends upon him — 
A genuine aristocrat. 

Not nobility of place or station 

Not the accident of birth. 

He may have risen from the lowly, ■ 

A. true prince of the earth, 

Destined to wield the wand of power, 

Performing many acts that 

Will greatly benefit the human kind, — 

Nature's true aristocrat. 



418 WANTED. . 

WANTED— A Man. 



The business world wants a man, 

Of good endowments fine, 

Who will succeed because he can, 

In his own chosen line. 

Of whatever business he may choose 

Or may take hold or plan ; 

The world has always ready use. 

For the trained business man. 

Religion has an extensive field, 
For the man endowed with power, 
Who will not to Satan's minion's yield, 
In an unpropitious hour. 
Men who can storm or hold the fort, 
A prosperous campaign plan ; 
We must have — enlist this sort, — 
The true determined man. 

Trimmers and time-servers weak, 
For a short while may go, 
Such a class no firm will seek, 
Men of thought and action slow. 
Men are needed in large numbers. 
To execute and plan. 
To carry out to successful issue, 
The forethought of the man. 

Mediocrity is quite common, 

Poor work is nothing new ; 

The skilled workman's always wanted, 

Because they number few. 

Some men may follow lead of others. 

Who have no brains to plan ; 

In multitude of professions large. 

You can scarcely find a man. 

Their room-space is never crowded, 
Not on the upper floor ; 
The world would prosper much better, 
If there only were some more. 



THE PILGRIM'S RETURN. 419 

With that knowledge to know how, 
To successful issue plan, 
Even in the face of obstacles, 
Is the complete work of the man. 

Perhaps nature never intended, 

Each one should be a big gun ; 

But whether in greatness or in smallness, 

We demand the work well done. 

Whether you are a rich employer, 

Or work on some other's plan. 

The kind Creator has endowed you, 

To do the work of a man. 

It matters not in humble station. 
Some poor business is your lot ; 
It requires art to be a sweeper, 
Smallest, business- takes some thought. 
If your days are spent in labor, 
You, by steady effort can 
Rise above your circumstances ; 
Show to the world a man. 

Dec. 9, 1902. 



THE PILGRIM'S RETURN. 



I will arise and go to my father." — St. Luke— 15 :i8. 

Loud sound the chimes, harmonious notes, 

Rejoice o'er the sinner's return ; 

The mellifluous tones of their harmony floats, 

As a joy that eclipses the morn. 

The world must be won to the Savior's domains. 

Be from sin and impurity free ; 

Earth's lofty mountains and lovely plains. 

Will sing chorus of praises to thee. 

Loud sound the timbrel the harp's sweet note, 
Let earth sing in melodious strain. 
So that hallelujah's of glory shall float, 
And heaven shall take up the refrain. 



420 THE ROUND HOUSE 

The echoes shall ring to earth's furthermost shore, 
The Savior triumphs ; mankind shall be free ; 
Sin shall have o'er them dominion no more, 
From earth's uttermost isles to the sea. 

Send forth this proclamation abroad, 

To all the inhabitants under the sun : 

The kingdom of earth are the kingdoms of God ; 

He in the conflict of ages has won. 

All nations as wheat shall be garnered, 

When perforce comes this new era of time ; 

From the four winds of heaven are gathered. 

The souls saved in His kingdom sublime. 

"I will make a new heaven and a new earth ;" 
Away forever will pass the old ; 
New nations arising shall have a new birth ; 
The sheep of His pasture shall have a new fold. 
Poor sinner, where shall you and I stand 
When the Lord of the judgment shall come? 
May it be ours in that spiritual land ; 
To rejoice in the prodigal's home. 



THE ROUND HOUSE— A Railroad Poem. 



In the round house stands a number of engines, 

In line of duty av/aiting their calls ; 

With smoldering furnace and steam-guage ready, 

Slowly puffing away in their stalls. 

The monster mogul brightly polished and cleaned, 

Stands there awaiting some work to do ; 

It has to pull a long train up over the hill ; 

All things being ready, it takes on its crew.. 

It speeds along the line in manner majestic; 

The engineer at the throttle takes firm hold ; 

The fireman greasy, black as a darkey, 

Stands shoveling into the furnace the coal. 

The flagman behind keeps watching his ''blocks," 

While air compressed holds steady the train ; 

The man in the "tower" must be constantly watching, 

The "automatic switch" that opens and closes again. 



IT IS WELL. 421 

This giant engine minds not the labor 

O'er hundreds of "frogs" and "switches" to pass ; 

Subject to the engineer's slightest command, 

It almost human intelligence has. 

It climbs up the mountain with giant stride ; 

It crosses the summit ; now that it is o'er, 

Its stentorian breath becomes less resonant ; 

It runs down to the level once more. 

It hauls into the town its ten-thousand horse load, 
Then it and its crew take a breathing spell ; 
But is soon fired up, goes back the same road. 
And repeats the same tactics I've tried to tell. 
Great beast of a thousand mechanical parts ! 
For mankind greatest of burdens to bear ; 
Thou deservest to rest in thy round house awhile, 
And be polished and brightened with care. 

"The white man's burdens" and Kipling's dreams, 

Are largely imagery of the brain ; 

He forgot when he wrote of the wonderful burden, 

Carried along by a sixty car train. 

But we started to speak of the stately round house, 

A useful institution of modern times ; 

The mogul's shrill whistle is heard round the earth, 

It will soon be at home in all nations and climes. 

Permit me to make a comparison bold ; 

Man in his "round house" must act his part ; 

He must take on coal and get up steam. 

And make a successful start. 

He is the engineer of his own fortune. 

And must pursue with consummate skill, 

The road be it ever so rocky or steep, 

That brings him at last to the top of the hill. 



IT IS WELL. 

It is well that in life's morning, 
Its dreams are ever fair; 
No clouds bedeck the horizon, 
No mind distressed with care. 



422 NEW VERSION OF "COLlJMBIA." 

We must all feel admiration, 
F'or the young sunshiny face, 
That charms you with its presence, 
That cheers you with its grace. 

It is well we can't perceive 
The troubles that arise, 
The stormy clouds of sorrow. 
That sometimes bedeck the skies. • 
It is well short-sighted mortals 
The future can't foreknow. 
That beneath a veil is hidden, 
Our happiness or woe. 

It is well that at life's evening 
We can take a parting view. 
Looking back with approbation 
At some good that we did do. 
So when earth's ties are loosening, 
We shall be not afraid ; 
We move into eternal summer, 
Where can no death pervade. 

NEiW VERSION OF "COLUMBIA." 



Columbia embracing each ocean. 
Washed by the unsalted sea's foam, 
Ne'er sees the sun set upon her domain; 
The isles of the earth are her own. 
This is indeed the land of the hero. 
Whose patriots are tried and true ; 
The people, young and old, love old glory, 
Whose colors are the red, white and blue. 

When the thirteen colonies revolted 
To be free from a foreign crown. 
The whole power of the British nation, 
Could not force them lay their arms down. 
Each patriot's heart was animated 
With desire to gain freedom true ; 
At last victory perched on the banner, 
Whose colors were the red, white and blue. 



A WOMAN IS ALWAYS IN IT. 423 

When came the great shock of civil warfare, 
Dark clouds did o'er the union form ; 
Columbia stilled the raging tempest, 
And rode triumphant through the storm. 
And brothers once rudely separated, 
Are friends of a new Union true; 
All feel pride and glory in the banner, 
Whose colors are the red, white and blue. 

Columbia's power is extended 

Has in her clasp gems of the sea. 

Whose people will grow up more enlightened 

From despot's chains forever free. 

Well may the world stand in admiration, 

When it does these grand wonders view ; 

Columbia stands foremost as a nation, 

Whose colors are the red, white and blue. 

Columbia's no gem of the ocean ; 

She stands a mighty empire wide. 

Whose sons and daughters love her with devotion, 

In her welfare take an honest pride. 

Let us sing our songs of exultation, 

When freedom's banner floats in view ; 

Thankful feel we belong to a nation, 

Whose colors are the red, white and blue. 



A WOMAN IS ALWAYS IN IT. 



There are many plots behind the curtains 
Also some dramatic scenes, 
In the comedy or tragedy of lives. 
Carried out by various means. 
But note this fact of observation, 
That is happening each minute. 
On the stage where men are acting; 
A woman is always in it. 

Young men frequently send missiles ofiF 
By almost every mail, 
To the girls they love as sweethearts, 
Unfolding a love-sick tale. 



424^ . A WOMAN IS ALWAYS IN IT. 

It is a dangerous practice thus to write ; 
Much better not begin it ; 
They may arise you to torment, 
A woman is always in it. 

Young men oft say more than enough, 

Which they may soon discover, 

If they write the compromising stuff, 

Oft sent to their lady lover. 

They may appear against you in the courts, 

Your suit, you may not win it; 

Past finding out are woman's ways, 

A woman is always in it. 

Many young men have good sense, 

And some may act like babies ; 

In plain, burlesque, or comic plays, 

Ne'er dare to fool with ladies 

When reckless men are brought to stand. 

They swear they didn't begin it. 

But let me take you by the hand, 

A woman is always in it. 

In matters of heart keep on your base, 

Act wise the part of the lover; 

Experience is a teacher dear. 

As you may to your cost discover. • 

If you wish to capture a female heart, 

As for deception — don't begin it ; 

Be frank and forward the good old way, — 

A woman is always in it. 

A few thousand or more may heal the smart, 

Instead of enjoying married bliss, 

If you fail to keep your promise, 

With your adored and courted miss. 

This is a large part of our world's woe, 

Let whoever will begin it; 

Breeches of promise, make a poor show; 

A woman is always in it. 



WHAT COMMANDS RESPECT. . 425 

WHAT COMMANDS RESPECT. 



What commands respect and admiration? 

Gilt-edged bonds, gold or cash. 

What will give rank and elevation, 

So that man can cut a dash? 

The same old mammon of ancient days, 

For wdiich men will suffer and die; 

Not caring if they do miss heaven, 

Or pass not through the ''needle's eye." 

Learning great may gain some applause, 

Beauty may grace her simple reign; 

Wisdom may but small means inherit, 

But wealth never ceases its gain. 

The wealthy man has hosts of sycophants. 

Who wait upon him for advice; 

He may endeavor to pass through Paradise, 

Because he always carries the price. 

Men will still bow to the golden image. 
As they did upon the Eastern plain ; 
All talking and preaching runs to money ; 
Men will break their necks for gain. 
In this age of corporations and syndicates. 
It is now a matter worthy of note 
That clean politrcs make but poor show ; 
It is the money controls the vote. 

If the streets of heaven are paved with gold, 
The world's rich men cannot get there; 
Their money bags will bear them down, 
And will not float their ship of air. 
All the gold of Colorado's mines. 
Cannot purchase a single lot. 
Or give him title as the possessor, 
Of a celestial avenue plot. 

These men are held up as our models. 
Who unbounded wealth attain ; 
We cannot successfully ape them; 
Because we have not got their brain. 



426 OUR LATIER DAY. 

If we cannot deposit our millions, 
We have no great cause to care ; 
Happiness comes in humble circumstance, 
Our health is better where we are. 

Gold is king and he is truly great ; 
Monied considerations run supreme ; 
To live at all, we must have money, 
All men are mixed in a golden scheme. 
Men were made noble, gold makes them base ; 
The owners of millions hold full sway ; 
Whether this marks degeneracy or not. 
It is a characteristic of our day. 



OUR LATTER DAY. 



Do we fail to realize in this our latter day 

When science as with a magic wand. 

Has lifted men's most grievous burdens 

That rendered life a consuming care, 

That we can as creation's lord. 

In a much superior attitude stand? 

We should be glad we are living 

In this our world's late date. 

When everything around us contribute 

To raise us to a loftier station 

For which our God did us create. 

If we cannot make our home a Paradise, 

We can move in much better sphere, 

We can in the scale of human progress, 

Break the bands that hold us down, 

Beholding heaven's horizon clear. 

We are not tied down to earth's pollutions 

Or fast in the mire of sin, 

We can arise, put on new armor ; 

We were not made to sink in degredation. 

If we in one effort fail, another one begin, 

What though we have in battle lost, 

'Tis evening; another one begin; 

He who thus keeps up a gallant struggle. 

Always keeps his armor bright; 

Victory o'er his enemy may win. 



WHY DON'T THEY DC) IT NOAV ? 427 

We are born to share the advantages 

Of this our bright effulgent morn 

When we stand on the mount of privilege ; 

Glad Cornucopia shakes her horn. 

If in the depths, let us arise 

To heights of much sublimer things 

And see the grander joys of living 

In the greater pleasure that it brings. 

Let us religion, faith and hope employ 

To give us a clearer discernment 

Of life's responsibilities and duties, 

Living thus life can never be a failure ; 

Our last days we shall hail with joy. 



WHY DON'T THEY DO IT NOW?— Song. 



We admire the American ladies, 
With their abundant charms ; 
For when we were tots of babies, 
We nestled on their arms. 
How fondly they caressed us. 
We'll never tell 3^ou how ; 
But simply ask this question, 
Why don't they do it now? 

When we were small pappooses, 

We nestled on their breast; 

They sang lullabys to please us, 

And make us quiet, rest. 

I sometimes long for childhood's day, 

I can't explain you how 

They fondled and caressed me — 

Why don't they do it now? 

We hung to them with pleasure. 

They pressed us to their lips. 

Just as the honey-bee from clover, 

Its morning nectar sips. 

They petted me in a thousand ways, 

Pray, do not ask me how ; 

The thing which most concerns me is- 

Why don't they do it now? 



428 AN EVENING VIE vV. 

I was once a squalling urchin, 
' Took many a fitful start; 
Yet they kissed me when I slapped them, 
And pressed me to their heart. 
But, alas, how changed their conduct, — 
No more this thing allow 
Since I have grown a bearded man ; 
Why don't they do it now? 

Permit me answer mine own question, 

A moment if you will ; 

By reading glances in their faces, 

I know they love me still ; 

I would recall my childhood days ; 

They lavished on my brow, 

Those tender sweet and soft caresses, — 

Why don't they do it now? 

Paraphrased from an old song of 35 years ago. 



AN EVEiNING VIEiW— From Heights of "Styling Tetrace.' 



I stood on East McKeesport's height, 

And viewed the towns below, 

Where thousand incandescent lamps, 

In fiery beauty glow. 

The gigantic plants of Westinghouse 

Strike boldly on the view; 

Vast volumes of dark smoke and steam, 

Almost hid the azure hue. 

On Turtle Creek's dull sluggish stream 
The greatest workshops stand ; 
Art over nature reigns triumphant. 
While genius does command ; 
The fabled god old Vulcan who 
Forged thunderbolts of Jove, 
Would have no place in workshops here, 
Nor could his power prove. 

Aladdin's wonderful lamp, 'tis said 
In magic beauty shone. 
But electricity has far surpassed, 
And greater wonders done. 



AN EVENING VIEW. 429 

Heaven's subtle fluid now contributes 
To give man driving force ; 
The elements are also harnessed, 
To assist him in his course. 

An army is at all times employed, 

Quite an imposing sight ; 

Tlie noise of engines and steam whistles. 

Is familiar day and night. 

East Pittsburg as an electric town, 

Stands first — must be the case, 

The greatest manufacturing plant, 

And holds no second place. 

The world has no shops superior. 
Where more skilful work is made ; 
Nor turning out better appliances. 
In this great line of trade. 
Good Avork is found throughout the year, 
For skilled and willing hands. 
The products go around the world, 
And are needed in all lands. 

There may be great questions yet to solve. 

Great forces yet unknown ; 

But the inventive power of genius, 

Will see greater wonders done. 

In the meantime let us rest content, 

Utilize these that are ours; 

And steadily keep our mind employed 

In unfolding nature's powers. 

I stood on ''Styling terrace" heights, 

Just after setting sun, 

Beholding the ten thousand wonders, 

By man o'er nature won. 

''Electric Manufacturing Co." 

In letters stand ablaze; 

So come and visit this great plant, 

You'll mind it all your days. 



430 LIFE IN OUR DAY. 

LIFE IN OUR DAY. 



Life is full of consuming cares, 

Of unfulfilled desires; 

So age steals on us unawares, 

And dampened are life's fires. 

Any lawful recreation that 

Alleviates distress, 

Adds something to our pleasure more, 

And makes our sorrows less. 

Is something to be much desired; 

Is in the proper trend ; 

Life should not be all clouds and gloom, 

Nor darkness be its end. 

Life should not be a ceaseless burden ; 

There should be joy somewhere. 

To brighter make the course of years, 

And dispel the brow of care. 

Our days of sunshine are*too few; 

Our days of social glee, 

Are lost in somber darkened clouds ; 

Are not what they should be. 

Oh, for some glad panacea 

To be found earth's vales among, 

That happier makes our passing years ; 

That tends to make us young: 

Young in heart and young in spirit ; 

Passing down our life's decline, 

We may as the polished rubies, 

In beauty's luster shine, 

Then would we have a glad surcease, 

In virtue's cause engage ; 

So hope and gladness, lasting peace. 

Will crown us in old age. 



NEW VERSION OF "THE MAN WITH THE HOE." 



Both science and inventive art. 
In our day have taken a leading part, 
To relieve the drudgery of toil ; 
New. methods to cultivate the soil. . 



NEW VERSION OF "THE MAN WITH THE HOE." 433 

And thus a greater yield produce, 
For home demands or foreign use. 
It is now idle talk to prate: 
'The man with the hoe" is out of date. 

Some forty years or more ago, 
We had a home-made club of a hoe ; 
We never knew the inventor's name, 
Or whether he ever acquired fame. 
The tool was useful, good and strong: 
It took muscle to drive it along ; 
It was more in the nature of a club. 
With which you could either dig or grub. 

Its wearing power was very great ; ' 
Was never considered a "light weight ;" 
The boy that used it all the day. 
Could not be said to shirk or play ; 
And when he laid it down at night, 
He was glad it was "out of sight." 
In the morning it was good as new ; 
There was no work it could not do. 

I still have memories that rack 

When I think of the pain it gave my back ; 

Blistered hands I had to bear, 

So that a saint would almost swear. - 

The human machine was set to run, 

Between the rising and setting sun ; 

We lived thro' it all — am living still, 

Thus showing that work won't always kill. 

But later years made a lighter hoe. 
One that Avould much easier go ; 
But it took endless work, indeed, 
To destroy the heavy growth of weed : 
To keep the corn and potatoes clean. 
No better invention was then seen, 
But we were glad to see the time, when 
Machinerv took the place of men. 



432 OWE NO MAN ANYTHING. 

Good-bye forever good old hoe; 
We are loth, yet glad to see you go ; 
Thy memory I keep in mind, 
So' unsolicited comes this line. 
And generations born now, 
Have a lighter hoe, and better plow : 
This is the age of invention great; 
"The man with the hoe" is out of date. 



OWE NO MAN ANYTHING. 



In this stirring world of business, 
All credits should be met; 
You can never get to heaven, 
Unless you pay your debt. 
You as a saint may masquerade, 
And make an outward show ; 
Your put on piety parade. 
But it will never go. 

When you reach the gate of heaven, 

There is not a bit of doubt, 

You will never gain admittance ; 

"Your sins will find you out." 

He who meanly robs another, 

Of what is justly due. 

Deserves no help from any quarter, — 

From many friends or few. 

You never can secure much credit, 

Unless you obligations meet ; 

Yours is the name, the shame, the stigma, 

Of a dirty low "dead-beat." 

This kind of persons should be branded. 

So that all the world might know 

To avoid this class as serpents, 

Who are everybody's foe. 



RELIGION, 433 



Would you shun deep degradation 
Allied with sin's disgrace? 
Pay up your debts, be honest ; 
You can look mankind in the face. 
''Honesty's the best of policy :" 
Mankind will you regard, 
As one of God's noble creatures, 
While heaven will vou reward. 



Dec. 9, 1899. 



RELIGION. 



A man's religion is not measured, 

By the pious face he wears ; 

By his shouts of vocal music, 

Or his hyfalutin prayers. 

By his stylish smooth exterior, 

By his neatly fitting coat ; 

By the ''amens" he sighs or utters, 

That come only from the throat. 

A man's religion is not measured, 

By outward Sunday show * 

By his assumed, put-on-friendship, 

His heart don't feel or know. 

The Sunday saint, the Monday sinner, 

Who breaks the moral law, 

Is the veriest hypocrite, 

The world ever saw. 

True religion now is needed. 

In the crowded mart or store ; 

A man with a lantern scarce can find it 

Is not in fashion any more. 

Our churches, now in part are filled 

With the modern saint who steals ; 

To accumulate dishonest wealth. 

No pang of conscience feels, 

Oh, for a genuine revival of 

The virtues past and gone. 

Which were the bulwark of the nation; 

The stones it was built upon. 



434 THE BRITISH-KOER WAR. 

Will not some modern seer or prophet, 
iWith a sense of duty clear, 
Preach on the simple text of — "Honesty," 
And keep at it the whole year? 

Let us pray that heart religion. 

May once more find a place. 

In the affairs of trade and business, 

Which such now is not the case. 

How can we pray — ''Thy kingdom come," 

If we work on Satan's side ; 

Let us practice, all the true religion, 

As King God to be our guide. 

Jan. 2, 19 — . 



THE BRITISH-BOER WAR. 



Hark, do you not hear it break on the air once more? 

'Tis the rattling musketry, the cannon's opening roar. 

Thousands of useful, peaceful lives. 

Are slaughtered down= and sacrificed. 

See the dead and dying amidst their beds of gore, 

Peace conferences held but yesterday, 

Seem but a vain and empty mockery. 

In southern Africa's border State, 

Where are costly diamonds found, 

The British and the Boers of late. 

Have made a bloody tramping ground. 

When Greek meets Greek there is no retreat; 

But all meet death with valor brave ; 

And fill in heaps the patriot's grave. 

On one side stands the stubborn Boers, 
And with all desperation fight, 
For what they regard as freedom's cause, 
For their Republic's dearest right, 
Against the mightiest empire of the world, 
That in vain thus far tried to subdue. 
Those valiant men of metal true. 



PROGRESS. 435 

Is it for greed of extended empire? 

Or was it to seize and keep by stealth 

The gold and diamonds found down there, 

To' increase their nation's wealth? 

We rather think it is for equal rights, 

That they for dominion seek ; 

Not to enslave the poor, or oppress the weak. 

But whatever be the ultimate issue. 
We trust that righteousness may win ; 
More respect for equal laws and freedom. 
May in the future near begin. 
We hope also that in coming generations, 
Men will labor for the victories of peace, 
When arbitration at the cannon's mouth shall cease. 

Dec. 26, 1899. 

ADDENDA— Written Aug. 16, 1900. 

Like many Republics of ancient time. 

That to-day have left no monument. 

The historic page records they lived, 

And flourished ; to swift destruction went ; 

So come and *go these latter day Republics : 

Under Britain's mighty hand they fall; 

But progress, law and liberty shall rise 

From the ruins of the "Free State" and "Transvaal." 



PROGRESS. 

We stand at the closing of the century. 

And view with awe the wonders done ; 

Taking a retrospective glance at 

The grand achievments of the past, 

We conclude the era of true progress has begun. 

Its mountain waves as with a mighty tide. 

Has swept away old myth and superstition. 

So that the coming time will have the illumination, 

Of all the centuries blended into one.. 

The bands that bound true conscience progress 
With fire and fetter, dungeons, chains. 
As with the fierce lightning's bolt and thunder, 
Were rent in twain and burst asunder. 



436 MY POOR SICK BOY. 

Mankind released, basked in clearer sunshine, 

For great shadows passed that darkened had the sky ; 

Each benighted nation no more stands in occultation, 

The world's betterment is fast approaching; 

For this must come to pass, sure as God's truth remains 

The coming century must abound in wonders 
Unexpected, which will Father Time reveal ; 
Perhaps will not pass many generations, 
Until the opening of the seventh seal. 
When God's great book of wonders shall be opened. 
And unraveled mysteries be made plain ; 
So that the glories of that day refulgent. 
Suffering no eclipse — in splendor shall remain : 
Mankind rejuvenated, will new inspiration feel. 

He that sitteth on the circle of the heavens, 
Wields the scepter from His' archaean throne. 
His feet upon the earth and the unstable ocean, 
Hath made this solemn declaration, 
As a proclamation to be made to the people known : 
"Hear all ye lands, nations, types of peoples, 
God's day of universal enlightenment. 
Progress, science, art, and truth's advancement, 
Is about to come and reign supreme alone." 

God's wonders as a scroll are yet unfolded; 

The signs celestial you may in the heavens, read, 

And revelation yet lacks complete fulfillment, 

In the promised glories of the latter day. 

Earth began with Eden ; a better is the Christian's meed. 

True progress is in line of exaltation. 

Either on this sphere or higher station ; 

The promise made will not be broken, 

Till earth once more shall be a paradise, indeed. 



MY POOR SICK BOY. 



Oh, how is my poor boy to-night ? 
I would like to hear from him now. 
Whether he's resting well at ease. 
Or if the fever burns his brow. 



MY POOR SICK BOY. 437 

There falls to my son a share of woe, 
The sickening fever's blight ; 
Yet it would relieve my mind to know, 
If my boy is better to-night. 

A stranger in a hospital ward, 
Under nurses' and doctors' care, 
Where groaning humanity suffers hard, 
Its load of affliction to bear, 
While the' others are strangers to me, 
There's one I keep always in sight ; 
Tho' absent here to my heart is dear. 
How fares my poor boy to-night? 

It falls to the fate of all below^ 
That some sorrow must intervene ; 
Sickness will come as an unseen foe, 
We would that it had not been, 
He who regards the sparrow's fall, 
Will render the skies more bright ; 
Answer comes through the telephone; 
My boy is much better to-night. 

Death's message came to some lying near; 
No friends heard their parting sigh, 
Or v/ere present to shed a tear. 
When some poor unknown did die. 
On visiting day when friends do call, 
A great many are not forgot ; 
The sadness of death broods over all, 
Who view their unhappy lot. 

Thanks to God, the Father of mercies ; 

Let this be our ardent refrain. 

Our son who was on the brink of the grave, 

Has been restored to health again. 

While many shook off this mortal coil, 

Bade farewell to this vale of tears ; 

Laid down their burdens of care and toil, 

He was spared for further years. 

These lines were written during the absence of the Author's 
son, who spent over seven weeks at the West Penn hos- 
pital, Pittsburg, Pa. 

These lines with a slight change may be made applicable to 
many other cases. 



438 A TEIBUTE TO QUEEN VICTOEIA. 

A TRIBUTE TO QUEiEN VICTORIA^Obiit January 

22d, I9OI. 



Once more we hear the dirge of mourning, 
The muffled drum and tolling bell ; 
Dead is Great Britain's potent Empress, 
Who ruled her empire wise and well. 
Bring choice garlands to her honor; 
Solemn be the militar}^ tread ; 
Flags at half-mast are placed in mourning, — 
A requiem for the mighty dead. 

She was a noble woman, princess, mother; 

Kind to her subjects, model queen; 

History cannot point out another, 

In goodness, who has her equal been. 

Mourned by the nation whom she wisely ruled ; 

In memory revered and blest, 

The people of the American nation, 

Mourn for her as she is laid to rest. 

We recognize true worth and greatness, 
In any person of high or low degree ; 
A memorial in the hearts of nations, 
Shall be preserved in memory of thee. 
Vale, to the tomb they have consigned thee, 
History in golden letters shall record thy reign, 
But we doubt that the Empire of Great Britain, 
Will ever possess thy like again. 

Feb. 5th, 1901. 



FORGIVENESS. 



'To err is human, to forgive divine." 

In this world of ours the longer we live, 
The more we should learn and know, 
That it is always God-like to forgive, 
Our meanest and bitterest foe. 
In this sinful world offenses will come. 
Which should be all gracefully met; 
Be it abroad or in our own home, 
It is wise to forgive and forget. 



MRS. NATION. 439 

O' Lord, forgive us our debts we cry, 
Beseeching the throne of grace, 
That he will a spirit to us supply, 
That we can such troubles efface, 
Ere to the altar our gifts we bring, 
Reconciliation should be met; 
Knowing well 'tis a glorious thing, 
In our heart to forgive and forget. 

To return evil for evil is bad indeed; 
To return good for good is human kind ; 
Returning good for evil is what we need. 
To make the act God-like and divine. 
When at the throne of mercy we plead, 
Unto Him to forgive us our debt, 
The spirit of Him who died we need, 
To help make us forgive and forget. 

"Vengeance is mine and I will repay," 
Comes to us as the word of the Lord ; 
A forgiving spirit have all they, 
Who carry out the truths of His word. 
Let us forgive would we be forgiven, 
Praying that He may cancel our debt, 
If we finally enter the kingdom of heaven. 
We must forgive and forget. 



MRS. NATION—In Her Role As "Joint" Smasher. 



Mrs Nation is a dandy; 
A temperance gal is she; 
She makes pieces of decanters, 
In a manner that is free. 

Ref. — She smashes glasses with her hatchet 
We all know what she means ; 
She beats the hosts of liquor. 
She's worth her weight in beans. 

Mrs. Nation is a chopper; 
Bleeding Kansas once again, 
In the hands of the Jayhawker, 
Who intends to sweep her clean. 



440 A VISION' iSUBLIME. 

Ref. — Mrs. Nation with her hatchet, 
Will make the splinters fly; 
No sucker State can match it, 
She's worth her weight in "rye." 

We greet her from the Keystone State, 
Where temperance men are few; 
Where jugs of a dimension great, 
Are packed away from view. 

Ref. — Mrs. Nation's a reformer ; 
We wish her much success ; 
As a crusader and joint stormer. 
May her shadow ne'er grow less. 

G. Washington with his hatchet, 
Was famous for a while ; 
But the staid old Pennsylvanian, 
Can't live without a "smile." 

Ref. — Mrs. Nation is a talker; 
Saloons know what she means ; 
With steam up she is a "corker," 
She's worth her weight in beans. 



Feb. 19, 1901 



A VISION SUBLIME. 



Methought I stood on a beautiful mound, 
Standing aloft in the upper air ; 
Enchanting was the landscape around, 
While the flowers that bloomed were fair. 
The mount of Parnassus could not surpass, 
The radiant flowers there known ; 
But the strangest fact was that, alas, 
Men stood like statues, alone. 

While on this lofty summit gazing, 
Above the tallest steeples high, 
I scarce could hear their notes achiming. 
Or piercing the vault of the sky. 



A VISION SUBLIME. 441 

From this spot I took a survey, 
Of the many wrecks and ruins of time; 
As phantoms men came and passed away, 
From this mount of glory, power sublime. 

Like the passing panorama of a dream, 
Men did this lofty summit climb ; 
Stood in the glory of the sun's gleam. 
But it was only for a brief time. 
I was seized with admiration and awe, 
At this rapidly shifting scene ; 
While there remained a permanent few. 
Forms fled as tho' they had not been. 

The apex of the summit was quite small ; 
But room enough for those who were there 
Ghosts of the ancient sages, must I call 
You to locate your habitation, where? 
Pale-sheeted ghosts of former ages. 
Ye care not for earthly glory now; 
Tranquil are earth's greatest sages. 
Who wore a diadem of honor on their brow. 

I pensively mused silently thinking 

Of the storied urns of wise and brave; 

From their resting place no voice I caught, 

Of those mouldering in the grave. 

No form arose to make reply. 

As I distinctly called each name. 

Can this be the place for which men sigh, 

If such it is how poor is fame ! 

Can your name chronicled in story, 
Or in a grand pedestrian bust. 
Afford you now a particle of glory, 
That you are a part of inanimate dust? 
But this simple warning to ambition, 
That in vaulting may pitch its tent too high ; 
To the human race there's one condition — 
Whether men attempt to run or fly. 



442 LANGUAGE. 

Science may pass through the "Milky Way," 
Or through the galaxy of stars ; 
Peradventure, at some future day, 
Tesla may communicate with Mars ; 
Other unknown unimagined wonders, 
May revolutionize this world of ours; 
May hear the ringing of celestial chimes. 
Open the arcana of the mystic powers. 

But for the present, let me wander 
On terra firma's solid ground ; 
I would not ascend the lofty apex yonder 
Should I at last be worthy found. 
But anon, my vision, dissipated; 
Earth's millions passed in swift review; 
I felt more than glad that I, was rated 
A standing- with the worthy few. 

Mar. 23, 1901. 



LANGUAGE. 

Pure language springs from the seat of the soul, 
In electrical sparks that scintillate, 
Producing a current of wondrous power, 
Striking with magical hand that's great. 
Swifter than the eagle can mount and fly; 
Quick as the dash from an angel's pen, 
It may, resound from the portals on high, 
Speaking with a still small voice to men, 

A beautiful garment we may weave, 
With which our thoughts may be clad ; 
Standing forth in its pristine beauty, 
Making the ear of the listener glad. 
When we open the deep fountain of thought. 
At our command it may bring. 
Pearls fair as from Golconda's mines, 
That from truth's clear fountains spring. 

All kinds of language are made to express, 
The diversified modes of thought; 
The inward emotion that sits on the face, 
May into words and phrases be wrought, 



"THE FIGHTING TENTH." 443 

The well-rounded sentence has a charm, 
When used with consummate skill, 
To arouse all forms of animate nature. 
Making- it subservient to the will. 

Language can make us laugh or mourn. 
Can make us either rejoice or weep; 
Can command the powers on high, 
Bring spirits from the "vasty deep." 
Its latent power, who cannot feel? 
It makes the pulsations stronger beat; 
It carries the soul on angel's wings, 
Makes men submissive at our feet. 

The winds may whisper or roll high. 
Or may in sweet cadences moan. 
But the whisper of a silent prayer. 
May ascend to the great white throne. 
Grant us that linguistic power. 
From all irrelevant terms freed. 
That men may be constrained to listen. 
To think and study and take heed. 

Who can stem the irresistible flood. 

That in torrents o'er Niagara whirl? 

More powerful is the flood of speech, 

That doth inundate the world. 

We can trace the trend of constellations 

That in unexampled luster shine ; 

But we have deduced this true conclusion. 

The dogma that language is divine. 

Mar. 2d, 1901. 



'THE FIGHTING TENTH.' 



A tribute to Col. Hawkins, who died at sea, July 18, before 
reaching his native land. 

The Tenth has arrived at the "Land of God," 

Across the great Pacific's foam. 

To their native land they served so well, 

To their kindred friends and home. 

But inexpressibly, sad the fate 



444 "THE FIGHTING TENTH." 

Of him in whom they took much pride; 
Col. Hawkins, the gallant hero 
On the homeward journey died. 
Died on thy bosom, Pacific sea, 
A martial spirit forever free. 

They fought in many a marsh and jungle, 

And many a poor soldier fell; 

The Philipinos they drove before them, 

With booming shot and cannon shell, 

In an unhealthy tropical climate. 

Tribes of half-civilized foes, 

Fled like wild beasts before them ; 

Nor could they their march oppose, 

To-day the starry flag's half-mast ; 

A people down with sadness cast. 

They never did, their colors lower 

Before any insurgent foe ; 

When they caught sight of the enemy, 

They struck a telling blow, 

To their own country ever true 

They severest hardships bore; 

Each soldier did his duty do, 

On an inhospitable shore. 

But now the funeral dirges swell; 

May inward peace in each one dwell. 

While sorrow is joined in our jubilee, 

Restrained is our voice of song. 

Our heart and soul go out to them. 

Whom we trust may be prospered long. 

While the muffled drum has a solemn sound, 

A threnody is our strain, 

We welcome thee back to friends and home, 

In health and peace to remain. 

Republics ungrateful — it can't be true; 

Our nation honors its boys in blue. 

Our Republic will care for its brave ; 
Liberty's land will never be 
Ashamed to honor valorous sons, 
Who ne'er swerved from duty like thee. 



MANY ROADS. 445 



While the institution of freedom lasts, 

As our father's heritage grand, 

We knew her Charter is always safe. 

When committed to thy hands, 

Do we boast of Patriotic sires? 

Their sons keep burning freedom's fires. 

Amidst the nation's exultation, 
A leader in whom we felt proud, 
Lies wrapt in his country's banner, 
His martial cloak and shroud, 
Colonel Hawkins, we much regret 
To chronicle this fate of thee ; 
But thy memory rests without a stain. 
And shall long remembered be. 
Honored the spot where rests the brave, 
If e'en the sea-weed covers the sfrave. 



MANY ROADS. 



There are a thousand roads that lead 

To one converging place ; 

It matters not which one you tread, 

They all end in disgrace. 

There is a safer, better way, 

In which you may safely trend ; 

Keep to the right and always pray, 

God's blessings on the end. 

Turn square about, new life begin ; 

Renounce the dismal haunts of sin. 



OUR HElRITAGEr— A National Song. 



We have a glorious heritage of which we may be proud 
Let our anthems of rejoicing be prolonged and loud ; 
Not in a boasting spirit let us our refrain. 
Be mingled with humility not adulating strain. 

Then let us sound the chorus, 
Prolong the jubilee ; 
Thanking the Lord of glory, 
We are a nation free. 



446 THE RIVER OF LIFE. 

We were once a nation in numbers very small ; 

We have survived the wrecks of time while did some others 

fall; 
Onward as a nation we have taken higher stand, 
Blest with the boon of freedom, we extend a helping hand. 

Then let us sound the chorus, etc. 

Let us be a righteous nation as we steer our course ahead ; 

Not living in the story of long ages past and dead ; 

But in the glory and the beauty of that bright auspicious 

morn. 
When fell the bonds of tyranny a nation free was born. 

Then let us sound the chorus, etc. 

Excelsior, onward, upward, our mission is to bless ; 
Confer the boon of freedom on peoples in distress ; 
Our flag shall be the symbol at home or on the sea. 
Of a nation dedicated to the cause of Liberty. 

Then let us sound the chorus, etc. 

Let us then be just in dealing with nations high and low; 
Living in peace and friendship that none can be our foe ; 
Foreign lands we covet not but guard our own domain; 
Here the bird of valor lives and he has come to reign. 

Then let us sound the chorus, etc. 

Then let us ever labor for true freedom and its cause ; 
For the bettering- of the poor by just and equal laws ; 
True greatness and nobility come alone of worth; 
The worthy poor and humble are the kings of earth. 

Then let us sound the chorus, etc. 

Composed and written by Chas. Kane, Feb. 6, 1901. 



THE RIVER OF LIFE. 



By the palace on high a river runs, 
Whose chrystal streams never gO' dry; 
That needs not the light of earthly suns. 
Nor that of our mundane sky. 



THE ROSE OF SHARON. 447 

Where is no chilling nor frigid cold ; 
The river of life we love, 
On whose banks the fruit never grows old, 
But the kinds are luscious and manifold, 
Flows by God's Eden above. 

Our lives are chilled by the ice and snow. 

That may come in autumn or spring ; 

Above the ripening south winds blow, 

And Eden's paradise bring; 

The roses bloom on the banks so green ; 

The river of life we love, 

No night is there to intervene. 

No wrong or oppression ever seen, 

Flows hard by the throne above. 

In this world below our lives are hid, 
So that in grace we scarce can grow ; 
Small credit we gain for good we did ; 
We must actively fight the foe. 
The river of life we love, 
Flows on a healthful, life-giving- stream. 
Beneath whose surface the emeralds gleam ; 
For the Son is the light above. 

Here men must suffer for deeds of wrong ; 

Suffer want and penury chill; 

But we have a friend who is good and strong. 

Be it ours to obey His will. 

Why should we stray in this world cold? 

The river of life we love. 

In that bright celestial city we see, 

Prepared as a home for you and me, 

In the beautiful Eden above. Feb. 5, 1901. 



THE ROSE OF SHARON. 



The typical Madonna of the flowers. 

That doth earth's verdant vales control. 

Such is the beauteous Rose of Sharon, 

It must receive the glory whole. 

"I am the Rose of Sharon, the Lily of the valleys. 

''Thou art fairest of ten thousand to my soul." 



448 THE HEROES OF THE NATION. 

I among" the sons of men am fairest; 

I stay sin's sweeping waves that roll, 

That would destroy God's whole creation, 

From earth's center to each pole. 

''I am the Rose of Sharon, the Lily of the valleys." 

"Thou art fairest of ten thousand to my soul." 

''The voice of my beloved One," hear ye 
Resounding- thro' earth's boundaries whole ; 
His children that do in his footsteps follow, 
He will in His book of life enroll, 
'T am the Rose of Sharon, the Lily of the valleys." 
''Thou art fairest of ten thousand to my soul." 

On earth the saved among the nations, 

Shall at last be gathered to His fold ; 

Shall bask in the sunshine of His presence, 

And parade the streets of shining gold. 

"I am the Rose of Sharon, the Lily of the valleys." 

"Thou art fairest of ten thousand to my soul." 

Thy right hand will embrace me surely ; 

My faith and trust in Thee I hold ; 

I shall rest in peace in His home securely ; 

Glorious visions will enchant the soul. 

"I am the Rose of Sharon, the Lily of the valleys." 

"Thou art fairest of ten thousand to my soul." 



THE HEROES OF THE NATION. 



We ever shall remember 

The heroes of the Nation, 

Who for their country, 

Nobly lived and died. 

We regard their acts 

With increasins: admiration ; 

Future generations 

Shall in their work take pride. 

At San Juan 

And at fortified Manila, 

On the highest point 

Did the flag of glory wave ; 



THE HEROES OF THE NATION. 449 

In story and in song 
Let us each comrade honor; 
The world ne'er saw an army 
Of patriots more brave. 

Now that some are 

Beneath the sod reposing, 

We trust that their gentle 

Spirits rest in peace on high ; 

For the grand deeds 

By them accomplished, 

Are written in inscriptions 

That nevermore can die. 

When we see the stars 

In bright glory beaming, 

Filling our world with their mellow light, 

We are reminded of 

That upper Paradise, 

Where repose our heroes 

In garlands pure and white. 

Now thinned are the ranks 

Of their battalions; 

Passed away has 

Many a veteran tried and true, 

Whose shroud was 

His country's battle flag; 

Whose place is missing 

In the grand review. 

All honor to them dead 

Or living; a tribute feeble 

Most that mortal tongue can raise; 

Place on their heads 

The amaranth of glory; 

New-born generations 

Will award them meed of praise. 



450 MEN, HOW DO YOU TREAT YOUR WIVES? . 

"Oh, that men will put an enemy into their mouths to steal 
away their brains." — Shakespeare. 

That men in his world do foolish things, 

Is a fact that still remains ; 

Or they would not swallow an enemy 

That steals away their brains. 

Leaving them but an abject thing, 

A thing of pity and contempt. 

That from these miserable frailties, 

They can in nowise be exempt. 

When pondering this much-worn subject. 
Why. men spend so much for drink, 
We must adopt this sad conclusion; 
Some men with reason do not think. 
Perhaps their thinking faculties 
Are in a measure very small ; 
Or we must adopt another conclusion. 
That they have no brains at all 

The poor unreasoning creature here 
That takes no time to reflect. 
Fills its space in creation better; 
Sometimes more worthy of respect. 
Pass around all God's creation. 
Upon, or beneath the earth, 
Man is the only creature of culture, 
That stoops to degrade his birth. 

It seems that neither religion or reason - 
Can stem this evil flowing tide 
Whose waves overflow humanity. 
Leaving destruction far and wide. 
We can deduce no syllogism or logic, 
That this matter fully explains ; 
That men will drink an enemy, 
That steals away their brains. 



MEM HOW DO YOU TREAT YOUR WIVES? 



Men, how do you treat your wives? 
This talk of treating is queer ; 
But in life's mutual partnership, 
There are binding ties and dear. 



MEN, HOW DO YOU TREAT YOUR WIVES? 451 

Do you kindly treat your better half 
On your journey through this life, 
As the one most loved and adored. 
As the true and respected wife. 

The comforts of home with happiness, 

Is what we all desire, 

Fuel must be used continually, 

To keep up love's young fire. 

The essence of all our enjoyments, 

Which ever will to us come, 

Are not found in the social club, 

But in the bright spot called home. 

There may be troubles in married life. 
As some troubles will alwa}' s arise ; 
But these should not tend to alienate, 
, Or the husband his wife despise. 
The mistress and true mother there, 
Sits prouder than any queen ; 
Her instructions given to the children, 
Will m later years be seen. 



Any machine properly adjusted. 

Has no friction anywhere ; 

Each part adapts itself to working. 

And does its ov\/^n burden bear. 

So the members of the household. 

May in perfect union run, 

Their work, being all harmonious. 

Their end, aim and action one. 

The largest sum is composed of units ; 

The multitudinous cares 

That enter into life's daily duties, 

Are the sum of its affairs. 

'Tis useless summing up imperfections- 

For neither side is free ; 

Until the dawn of the millennium, 

We may faults in each other see. 



452 LADIES, HOW DO YOU TREAT YOUR MEN? 

The man who willfuly maltreats his 

Wife is a mean worthless soul, 

Who should be drummed out of the town. 

Or sent to the Northern pole. 

Have you many happy Jays in view? 

Do you want any bliss in life? 

'Tis wise to dp right, act the part of a man. 

Who is worthy of a good wife. 



LADIES, HOW DO YOU TREAT YOUR MEN? 



The Good Book records — A man and a woman in the garden 
of Eden by eating forbidden apples had the first fall. Per- 
haps they were trying to carry away too large a load of 
apples and fell over the fence. After this untoward event 
the gate was closed and they were never permitted to 
fall back. Hence this propensity of falling out is exhib- 
ited in the human race ever since. Some do not seem to 
be happy except they stand in that relation. The philos- 
ophers tell us that marital misery can be overcome by 
wise selections. Since falling out cannot be overcome by 
any known process, or prescription, the better plan is to 
make it as easy as possible. Time for treatment comes in 
right here, since arbitration cannot be always recommend- 
ed. You cannot reform a man by a sour look, a piece of 
jaw, a slice of tongue, or coquetting with some other wo- 
man's husband. Try the fire of affection, the pill of 
pleasantry, the plaster of peace. If some of these remed- 
ies do not work satisfactorily, invent some one of your 
own. 

Some writers tell — 'Tn Adam we fell," 

But we didn't blame Adam a bit ; 

He had trouble enough on hand at home. 

He could hardly carry it. 

Marital miseries, one and all. 

Run in the same old trend ; 

Our world will never see the hour, 

In which these trials will end. 



LADIES, HOW DO YOU TREAT YOUR MEN? 453 

Fill out for yourself the blanks below. 

How shall I treat that husband of mine ? 



I loved my hubby before we were married, 



He attends his lodges and leaves me alone, 



Married life is not all it should be 



454 NEW VERSION OF No. 360 IN REFORMED HYMNAL. 

NEW VERSION OF NO. 360 IN REFORMED HYMNAL, 

God bless the tie that binds 
Our souls in Christian love, 
And impress upon our minds, 
God's fellowship above. 
"Before our Father's throne 
• We pour our ardent prayers;" 

He regards each earnest one 
And for our welfare cares. 

We must help other's woes. 
Part of their burden's bear; 
Our heavenly Father knows, 
We need his loving care. 
We in this world must part, 
However great the pain ; 
True joy will fill each heart. 
When we shall meet again. 

Shall pain and sorrow cease, - 
From sin we shall be free, 
^ Have supreme, lasting peace, 

In thy house, Lord, with Thee. 
What can we want, have more 
In this sad vale of strife ; 
We shall find it upon that shore, 
A new and endless life. 



NEIW VERSION OF "HOLD THE FORT." 



Christian comrades, see the signal 
Floating up on high 
In our Captain's name we conquer 
Victory is nigh, 

"Hold the fort for I am coming" 
Shouts our Captain still. 
The fortress to be won is heaven ; 
We gain it surely will. 



I WANT TO BE SOMETHING. 455 

See the mig-hty host advancing, 
Savior leading on ; 

His foes before Him down are falling, 
Victory is won. 

Chorus — Hold the fort, etc. 

On the heights our banner's waving. 
Our ranks still forward go; 
Glorious is our mighty Captain 
Who conquer can each foe. 

Chorus — Hold the fort, etc. 

During life the battle rages, 
Yet we have no fear; 
We'll ascend the moated fortress, 
Hallelujah cheer. 

Chorus — Hold the fort, etc. 

Forward soldiers, keep up courage. 
No falling in the rear; 
Keep compact your solid columns, 
Victory is here. 

"Hold the fort for I am coming" 
Shouts our Captain still. 
The fortress to be won is heaven ; 
We gain it surely will. 



I WANT TO BE SOMETHING. 



I want to be something in the hereafter, 

Not sitting at any one's feet, 

At least be something in after life, 

Enjoying my new home complete. 

I want to do something, be it ever so lowly, 

Some appointed plans to pursue; 

Some work that I left incompleted. 

May I be permitted again to renew. 



466 AMERICA'S THE LAND OF COKN. 

.1 care not for encumbering crown, 
Neither cross nor heraldry wear ; 
I wish simply to be a plain citizen, 
Filling the office assigned to me there. 
Heaven's not made for a loiterer's camp, 
Any more than the earth is here; 
Planetary worlds are all at work, 
Each in their own respective sphere. 

There's no ''Natural law in the spiritual world," 

There is a spiritual law divine, 

Which rules God's worlds of creatures, 

Who all bow at His appointed shrine. 

There are spheres of happiness well as locations, 

Measurements millions of miles afar; 

Every one in the immediate presence 

Of Him who is their central star. 

I do not want a continued holiday, 

Mingled with choice music or song; 

Even the symposium of the great masters 

Will tire if continued too long. 

Heaven's field will be filled with diversity; 

Ransomed will not find time to complain; 

Nor could they be induced for earth's treasures, 

To revisit scenes of their labor again. 

Time is transient but heaven's eternal ; 
The soul saved and born anew, 
Will be given work that's congenial. 
In their celestial kingdom to do. 
Happy in circumstance, life and spirit. 
The new-born soul will continually rise, 

Approaching a much sublimer state 
Than that of earth's ancient Paradise. 



AMERICA'S THE LAND OF CORN. 



America's the land of corn, 
Where best of pork is bred and born 
Where turtles don't grow on a tree. 
And all mankind are born free. 



AMERICA'S THE LAND OF CORN. 457 

Where young gents in profusion grow, 
And every girl has a beau ; 
The nice young man with little cash, 
Will see his girl and make a mash. 

America's a land that's fine, 
Home of the pumpkin and the vine ; 
Where the woodchuck don't sing a note 
Away in his burrow far remote. 
"Kissing bug" is found somewhere 
And does the ladies badly scare; 
It is well sometimes to be kissed. 
Sometimes much better to be missed. 

We have also the man that's drunk, 
Who gets acquainted with the skunk; 
His clothes will smell for forty mile. 
Regardless of the kind of style, 
We also have the worthless ''bum" 
Who should be in the kingdom come. 
We have artists who play the deil. 
Blow open vaults, break jail and steal. ^ 

But yet America we prize, 
Her bonny girls have winning eyes. 
With flaxen red or auburn hair. 
You can find none on earth so fair. 
And many of this modern type, 
Are lying round and always ripe. 
That man is to be pitied much, 
Who can't choose one among all such. 

America's the land of push. 
Where all for wealth are on a rush ; 
The brainy man will forge ahead, 
Leaving some others to be led. 
New methods are now brought to view, 
Discarding ways we used to do. 
We're not surpassed nor yet outdone, 
By any land beneath the sun. 



458 THE YOUNG LADIES' PLEDGE. 

America — its homes we seek, 

Where men can sing, or preach, or speak 

Where men will worship, love, adore 

The maiden whom they loved before. • 

Their marriage; but may after this 

In their attention grow remiss. 

Our country taken as a whole, 

Ts the best land between each pole. 

America's the land we love, 
All other countries, lands above; 
From shore to shore, from sea to sea, 
Each under his own vine and tree. 
Can with a patriot's words declare 
I ov/n a home in this land so fair. 
Where lordly tyrant cannot come, 
For this is freedom's hope and home. 



THE YOUNG LADIES' PLEDGE. 



This song is not wholly original, yet it may serve a good pur- 
pose. A tippling young man and a besotted husband are 
the most despicable things on earth. Try to reclaim them 
but avoid their habits. 

This is the pledge that I willingly sign : 

"The lips that touch liquor shall never touch mine." 

I shall not marry a jug or beer keg, 

Live a poor creature, or be forced out to beg. 

The man that drinks liquor, or gets on a spree. 
Is not the one to gain favors from me ; 
Stand young tippler aside, I ne'er will resign 
My body and soul to him who drinks wine. 

Man was made to stand upright in image divine, 
Not to lie in the gutter like filthy swine ; 
If you're married to drink, pray don't ask me 
To become the wife of a wretch like thee. 



HOME'S JOY. 459 

You must pledge your support, if I give my hand, 

To forever stay from the liquor man ; 

This position now I hold as mine, 

No galling chains shall my freedom bind. 

A head that is clear, a heart that is whole, 
A man that is free from rum's control, 
Are the ideals I choose as mine ; 
Not the tippler, the slave of wine. 



HOME'S JOY. 



It is good to be joyful and merry, 
It is good to be cheerful and gay. 
Then a spirit of mirthfulness cherish. 
The spirit of "enui" put far away. 

It is good to be kind and forgiving. 
It is right to be just and free ; 
Indeed, life's worth the living, 
If we make it what it should be. 

Good to be contented and happy. 
Nought drives away blues but mirth ; 
It is good to be always rejoicing; 
Joy is the best thing upon earth. 

Good to improve each moment of time. 
To have something in view or done ; 
Thus we can enjoy the fruits of our toil. 
In having some victories won. 

It is good to "rejoice evermore." 
When we lay life and its burdens down. 
We shall pass thro' the "open door," 
We care not who wears the crown. 



460 • NEW VERSION OF ''CORONATION." 

NEW VERSION OF "CORONATION." 



Being More in Accord With Scriptural Truth. 



All hail the power of Jesus' name ; 
Let sinners prostrate fall, 
Glory ascribe to Him who came 
Who is crowned Lord of all. 

Crowned far above all stars of light 
That gild this earthly ball, 
Now hail the great Redeemer's might, 
Who is crowned Lord of all. 

Ye rescued souls should ne'er forget, 
Your Savior's gracious call ; 
Bow in submission at His feet. 
Who is crowned Lord of all. 

Arise my soul, ecstatic rise, 

In loudest strains extol 

Ye Him who reigns above the skies, 

Who is crowned Lord of all. 

Ye people of a fallen race 

Are ransomed from the fall, 

By Him who saved you by His grace, 

Who is crowned Lord of all. 

In that day when His ransomed dead 
He shall to glory call. 
They shall own their Sovereign Head, 
Who is crowned Lord of all. 



A RAILROAD HYMN. 461 

A RAILROAD HYMN. 



Amidst life's many journeyings, 
Whichever course we go, 
Many dangers may be lurking, 
Which no one can foreknow. 
Then O gracious Lord protect us, 
Till spared to meet again, 
From danger, death or accident, 
On the swiftly-moving train. 

We may be gliding gracefully. 
No danger flags displayed ; 
We may be the time enjoying. 
While the train good record made. 
The protection for our safety. 
May we Thy servants gain ; 
May we in Thy Kind Providence, 
Be spared to meet again. 

Thou that calm'st the mighty ocean. 

That stillst the quaking land, 

Canst hold life's important issues. 

In the hollow of Thy hand. 

Thou that controH'st the mighty orbs, 

In heaven's wide domain. 

Canst us safely keep from danger. 

On the swiftly-moving train. 

What are we that Thou shouldst guide us, 

O'er us Thy vigils keep, 

Whether in our wakeful moments. 

Or lost in silent sleep? 

To Thee ourselves we consecrate. 

While we on earth remain ; 

If not here on earth — in heaven. 

We shall all meet again. 



462 "THE PRICE. 

"THE PRICE." 



There are many business transactions, 
Which call for cash or note ; 
Be careful in your speculations, 
If you would keep afloat. 
Tempting offers may be made you, 
But take this sage advice; 
Never buy a polly parrot, 
Unless you got the price. 

Keep your ' Veather-eye" on business ; 

It is unsafe to bet; 

A cashier may get stranded, 

And pile up a big debt. 

Many "wild-cat" schemes confront you, 

Which on their face seem nice; 

It is much better to avoid them, 

Even if you have the price. 

Wade not into' the maelstrom 
Of villainous plots and deep, 
If you would retain your standing, 
Or your stock of money keep 
Staid honesty is a virtue rare. 
Rogues will you still entice ; 
Men must have sad experience, 
Beat by sonie rogue's device. 

But if "gold-edged" securities, 
May glitter in your face, 
It may be right to secure them, — 
Investments have their place. 
If you would of breakers keep clear. 
Spurn not this poor advice; 
Before taking home your parrot, 
Be sure you got the price. 



THE CHILDREN. 463 



There are two kinds of financiers, 
The credit and debtor class ; 
In the town or the busy city, 
Each day you can see them pass. 
The latter are always loaded down, 
They never on earth will rise ; 
They torment the business world, 
They never have got the price. 



THE CHILDREN. 



The idea is taken from Charles Dickens and the lines in quo- 
tation are his, the remainder is my own. With apology. 

The Savior of mankind from heaven descended, 

In beauty and innocence mild ; 

The world gazed with wonder and rapture, 

On the face of the heaven-born child. 

His little white arms did a fond mother, 

Encircle in tender embrace ; 

His smiles were the halos of heaven. 

Shedding sunshine of love in his face. 

The world unconscious sat waiting. 

The long era of darkness had passed ; 

Light more brilliant than rays of the morning, 

Illumined earth's dark places at last. 
"But the world and its wickedness found me," 

The willing servant of sin, 
"Till the glory of God shone about me. 

And my Savior's glor}^ within." 

Oh my heart beats in quick pulsations. 
The fountains of feeling will flow, 
"When I think of the paths steep and stony, 
Where the feet of the children must go." 
Of the mountains of sin hanging o'er them, 
Of the tempest of fate blowing, wild ; 
Oh, there's nothing on earth half so holy, 
As the innocent heart of a child. 



464 THE CHILDKEN. 

"They are idols of hearts and of households, 

They are Angels of God in disguise; 

His sunlight still sleeps in their tresses, 

His glory still gleams in their eyes." 
"Oh those truants from home and from heaven," 

Clad in robes of innocence mild; 
"Now we know how Jesus could liken, 

The Kingdom of God to a child." 

May God spare the lives of the dear ones, 

Be radiant the paths that they run ; 
"But life fnust have enough shadow, 

To temper the glare of the sun." 
"I pray God to keep them from evil ; 

But my prayer will bound back to myself ; 

A preacher may pray for a sinner. 

But a sinner must pray for himself." 

Paths strewn thick with temptations, 

Must be by those tender ones trod ; 

We enlighten their minds with true knowledge, 

That they not wander from God. 

They must soon leave this home of instruction, 

The world's active 4^^ties begin ; 

Their heart must on Jesus be anchored. 

To repel the invasions of sin. 

The children are the hope of the nation ; 
Now in the bright hours of youth, 
May their hearts be fortified with the lessons, 
Of divine instruction and truth. 
Oh those dear little angels that cheer us. 
With spirit and soul undefiled ! 
Now we know how Jesus could liken 
The Kingdom of God to a child. 
When we reach the gates of the Kingdom, 
Our children will welcome us there ; 
Introduce us to our crucified Savior, 
And provide for our comfort a chair. 
Oh, happy guests in their father's mansion. 
In the home of beauty and peace undefiled ; 
We now understand how Jesus could liken. 
The Kingdom of God to a child. 
July i8, 1903. . CHAS. KANE. 



THE MOUNT OF HINDRANCES. 465 

THE MOUNT OF HINDRANCES. 



Now there are iruggecl, lofty mountains, 
Whose caps are crowned with snow, 
While tropic heat at high temperature, 
Is felt in the vales below. 
Climatic conditions more equable, 
Are known on their slopes and sides ; 
Nature's grand and varied scenery, 
With them forever abides. 

So there are mountains of hindrances, 

Which we must as mortals climb. 

The path may lead up depths, nigh impenetrable, 

Yet these gradations are to heights sublime. 

There is no macadamized roadway, 

No eas}" incline passing up or down. 

That can carry the solitary wanderer, 

Where no beetling crags are found. 

Paul's experience in his Christian life, 

Over the rough places by him trod. 

Was but paving the way for early martyrs, 

Who triumphed in the cause of God. 

He encountered shipwrecks and imprisonment, 

Enemies him watching day and night ; 

If we would secure our soul's salvation, 

We must go forward in the cause of right. 

We need not expect worldly exaltation ; 
A multitude of trials to us clings, 
Sio that when we wiould make ascension, 
We're burdened down with earthly things. 
Solitariness and secret afflictions, 
Messengers unwelcome in our path may lead ; 
Privilege or opportunity may not be ours. 
Wanting which, our life is but poor indeed. 

Every life is by some happiness surrounded, 
Lowering clouds may cause sudden grief; 
The sun will rise with healing in his wings, 
Affording panacea for our relief. 



466 THE MOUNT OF HINDRANCES. 

Hindrances, discouragemenits and trials, 
We should not at all despise, 
They may come in the fiorm of discipline, 
From a Creatoir, beneficent and wise. 

"These light afflictions but for a moment," 
Are not permitted long to stay : 
"Work out a far more exceeding weight lof glory,'' 
That will be revealed in some future day. 
These hindrances are then but stepping stones, 
Up which we ascend our mountain high; 
Standing at last upon the exalted summit, 
We behold the clearer sunshine of the sky. 

Every step up the mountainous pathway, 
Tho' there may be some resistance strong, 
Will mark difficulties, dangeirs overcome; 
For we must attain the height ere long. 
Each soul meets hindrances quite serious ; 
These with the cares of natural life, 
Temptations coming in disguised features 
Are constantly with us in this vale of strife. 

Life is a tremendous hill of difficulty, 
Which with strong efT'ort may be overcome ; 
In the path of duty, be our walk steady ; 
Beyond this mountain range is our eternal home. 
Life indeed would not be worth the living, 
If we had no precipitous mount to climb ; 
We could never stand as victors. 
Upon the pedestal of time. 

Rest on the heights of some achievement ; 
Stand not idle, but at once begin 
To secure some pirize in waiting for you ; 
Pressing onward, you may this trophy win. 
Mountains may crumble down to molehills, 
For the meed of fair, well-earned renown. 
Is awarded only to those who are victorious. 
Upon whose head is placed the victor's crown. 

Aug. II, 1903. Chas. Kane. 



THEY TOLD ME THOU HADST GONE. 467 

Earlier productions of the author, but modernized and brought 
down to date. — By Chas. Kane. 

THEY TOLD ME THOU HADST GONE. 



Tdiey told me thou hadst gone, 
Away had fled full soon; 
Left to me thy tender blessing. 
As all thy earthly boon. 
In former haunts I wander, 
Where often we did stray; 
And ion thee I deeply ponder, 
But thou are far away. 

Ambrosial gales are sweetly fanning 
The spot where once we strayed ; 
Around are summer's sporting. 
The meadows where w^e played. 
A thousand visions I recall 
Of palmy childhood's day; 
But now they've left me tone and all, 
Since thou art fair away. 

Each flower speaks in accent tender, 
And in a language pure ; 
But however bright their splendor, 
They will but short time endure. 
But thou art a lasting amaranth. 
Whose bloom cannot decay; 
Thou art still painted on my vision, 
Tho' distant far away. 

The cadences of sweet music, 

Are echoing from the trees ; 

The odoir of sweet-smelling flowers. 

Perfume the passing breeze, 

As in years that thou wert with me, 

In virgin bloom so gay. 

But now thy form is lost to earth, 

For thou 'hast passed away. 



468 THEY TOLD ME THOU HADST GONE. 

Thy happy and joyous future, 
That fancy pictured bright,, 
And Hope's sweet anticipations, 
Fled, but not in endless night. 
Life must have its air-built castles, 
Tho' such buildings seldom pay; 
When I in future hoped to meet thee, 
Thou hadst passed hence away. 

They told me thou hadst gone, 
To that shore beyond the tomb 
Where the amaranthine roses, 
In perpetual beauty bloom. 
In this Elysian vale I wander 
Where we did often stray ; 
But I know thou art more happy, 
In thy bright home far away. 

Many years of thy young life, 
• Did joyously pass by; 
Thou fledst as the fading flower. 
That doth in Autumn die. 
But in bright retrospection's sky, 
I look back to that day, 
When thy presence was a sunshine, — 
Ere thou ihadst passed away. 

They told me thou hadst gone, * 

And as all earthly things. 

Thy gentle spirit fled full soon, 

On swift and fleeting wings. 

In day dreams oft I think of thee. 

As wont in former day; 

But now thy gentle spirit pure, 

Has passed from earth away. 

The home thou didst make happy. 
Is of thy presence free ; 
Hushed is the voice of thy sweet music, 
Thy happy songs of glee. 



MAN'S ASPIRATIONS. 469 

No more we see thy hallowed presence, 
Cast a benignant ray; 
Thou art kept in memory's storehouse, 
Tho' thy spirit's fled away. 

They told me thou hadst gone 
From this world sometimes drear; 
For continued life and pleasure, 
Are not given mortals here. 
Still fond fancy pictures bright, 
That clear halcyon day, 
Of former years forever past, 
Ere thou hadst fled away. 

Note. — These words may strongly appeal to the minds of all 
of us, when in moments of reflection, we would fain recall 
the fair forms that have left forever our households, who 
have been called away in early years. We must still cher- 
ish their memory. 



MAN'S ASPIRATIONS. 



Quite few there be who justly prize. 
Or value what they got ; 
But cast their eyes unceasingly. 
To what can be gotten not. 
The mind is cast on happier days, 
•Than those already sent; 

Could man but scale the mount of heaven. 
He would not still rest content. 
No matter what's by him possessed. 
It wholly fails to give him rest. 
But mind's with expectation cast 
To future — 'better than the past. 
His aspirations may reach far ; 
Who can blame grasping, for a star : 
Yet if he gained the whole world wide, 
We doubt if he vxrould be satisfied ! 

Notes. — We have no record in history where the ambitions or 
aspirations of man were wholly satisfied. If some men 
owned the whole world, they would want a patch outside 
foir a garden plot. Have you and I a worthy ambition? 



470 ELIJAH AT MOUNT HOREB. 

ELIJAH AT MOUNT HOREB. 



i-Kings-i9:ii 

''Go forth," it had been to Elijah said, 
And stand before the Lord; 
The prophet heard, ieft the cave, 
At the Almighty's word. 

There came a fierce, tremendous wind ; 
Silence before prevailed 
Throughout this dreary wilderness ; 
The bittern deeply wailed. 

Then breaks forth a mountain tempest; 
The clouds by thundeir riven, 
Are like fierce fighting combatants, 
Into awful conflict driven. 

The sandy desert then becomes 

Like to the raging sea ; 

Mount Sinai's in confusion thrown ■ . 

At Jehovah's majesty. 

Elijah views this awful scene, 
With presence great of mind; 
The furious tempest passes by ; 
The Lord is not in the wind. 

Great mountains are shaken and removed, 
As doth an earthquake quick ensue ; 
The hills from their foundations riven, 
Presents a chaotic view. 

The prophet stands amidst the ruins ; 
Can no communicati'on trace, 
From the eternal majesty, 
Who's present in this place. 

The earthquake as second herald. 

Its thundering does cease ; 

"But the Lord is not in the earthquake," 

Nor is He known in these. 



EDEN'S BOWERS. 471 

There bursts forth a furious fire, 
Glowing, resplendenit, bright, 
Sio that the gloo^miest mountain sides, 
Are changed to living light. 

This furious flame quickly passes 
In towering rage and ire ; 
The prophet looks forth with surprise ; 
"The Lord is not in the fire. 

The fire vanisihes ; the scene is changed; 
Tranquility is restored ; 
Earth and skies do their homage. 
Unto- their sovereign Lord. 

The hills and mountains are restored 
IntO' calmness, deep profound. 
When all at once Elijah hears, 
A small, still, peaceful sound. 

It was thus when he heard it, he 
In his mantle wrapt his face, 
In token of great fear and awe. 
And reverential gract. 

Notes. — The prophet's teachings and experiences are applicable 
to men in all ages of time. God's warnings do not come to 
us through the fierce wind, through the terrible earthquake, 
the devouring flame, but the "still small voice of the 
Spirit," which the Christian at once recognizes as the 
voice of God. 



EDENS BOWERS. 



There dwelt mo joy in Eden's bowers, 
Till Eve was sent to bless the hours, 
Tho' bright o'erhead, with sadness laden. 
And lonely was the beauteous garden. 
With weeds and shrubs had grown up wild, 
But man rejoiced and nature smiled, 
When to lone man a help-meet given, 
Was God's most gracious gift of heaven. 



472 LIFE'S JOYS. 

LIFE'S JOYS— A Sonnet. 



As the mioon lit fading shadows, 

Do glimmer o'er the stream, 

So lite^s joys are oft uncertain, 

Like the panorama of a dream. 

Unripe joys in anticipation, 

As splendid casties built in air, 

Picturesque and quite encih anted. 

To the imagination may seem fair. 

Thus time marks all with imperfection 

Upon this our unstable earth; 

As the golden moon-lit glances. 

Are reflections from world of higher birth. 

That would happier make our mortal state 

So life's joys from higher sources emanate. 



THE GOLDEN GEM. 



There is a brig'ht and g-olden gem. 

Hewn out the mines of knowledge ; 

In the deep caves of literature 

Is found a precious jewel pure. 

That nought on earth can deprive us; 

Having gained it will ours remain ; 

Our lives keep bright, oun souls sustain. 

By delving deep it may be found, 
By him who sibill perseveres. 
You to this mine must constant run. 
Losing few hours from sun to sun ; 
Nor be troubled with many fears. 
But he who firmly goes ahead, 
May thro' its golden gates be led. 

In midst of care do not despair, 
Tho' difficulties mark thy way ; 
The magic touch of knowledge bright, 
Changes gloom to shining light. 
It is the ''Open sesame" that 
Admits you into the inner mine. 
Where precious gems in beauty shine. 



AN EPISTLE TO MISS NOW DEaD. 473 

The jewel of true knowledge does 

In grace and luster shine — 

In lusiter more transparent than 

Africa's diamond mine. 

Don your working suit, don't idle stand ; 

You must enter the mines pick in hand, 

Would you win some worthy prize 

That in the deep mines of knowledge lies. 

There are hidden depths above, below, 

To the seeker after knowledge ; 

And gems of thought are >oft discovered, 

Outside of school or college. 

Let you and I pick up some jewel 

That will our words or lives adorn, 

Sparkling like dew at early morn. 

Notes. — Some author wrote — ''Knowledge is power." If this 
proposition was true many centuries ago, how much great- 
er and more forcible is it now. The application of the 
varied forms of knowledge has revolutionized the earth 
and lifted from mankind the heaviest burden of the ages. 



AN EPISTLE TO MISS NOW DEAD 



I have arrived once more at home, 

My native hills I see ; 

But still my spirit loves to roam. 

Oh, the world wide for me. 

Home is a spot to each one dear, 

'Tis surely so to me ; 

But I shall hold as sacred still. 

The hours I spent with thee. 

I in my mind 'have pondered. 

Many sweet sayings o'er and o'er ; 

But the spots where once we wandered, 

We ne'er may wander more. 

Many times we spent togeither ; 

These were j'oyous hours of glee, 

That return not — shall never 

To solace you or me, 

But I hold in fond remembrance, 

The hours I spent with thee. 



474 LOVE AND FEIENDSHIP. 

Long may you live, be prosperous, 

And get a Loving man ; 

If aught in the woirld can make you happy. 

This is the thing that can. 

My best respects I send to you, 

In friendship's golden chain; 

Permit me now impress upon you, 
i I ever yours remain. 

i When this you see remember me, 

i (And think of Mister Kane.) 

We may not meet again. 

Notes. — The mariner at sea has a chronometer by which he can 
guide the course and direction of ihis ship and tell her exact 
latitude and longitude at all times, but courtship — ^the ship 
of matirmony, has no infallible compass by which it can 
be guided, but is often at the mercy of the waves and 
storms. Thus many a "ship" of this kind carries its 
crew to the desired port, whilst others are overwhelmed 
and sunk by the force of the breakers, oir some other un- 
toward circumstance. Yet each must experiment for him- 
self, let hearts be sealed, or souls be riven. 



LOVE AND FRIENDSHIP. 



There is a band, a pure golden band. 

That tightly together doth bind; 

No' power on earth can it withstand, 

In the chain of existence we find. 

We're glad to break a yoke that is galling, 

Fond love and friendship restoire. 

We like to stand in with, be not out falling, 

With the people and friends we adore. 

Love and friendship should always be pure, 

Should remain and continue to grow; 

While life and being lasts it should endure. 

And weakening never should know. 

The links of this chain are formed in the heart. 

Until they make a symmetrical whole, 

So that they can't break, nor be forced apart,- 

A union complete of each soul. 

Great is the power of friendship and love, 



LOVE AND FEIENDSHIP. 476 

Wihen blended in union is heart of each friend; 

This is the design of the powers above, 

That true friendship never can end. 

The loveHest flowers that blossom and grow, 

In stern Autumn may wither away ; 

These are the truest and purest below. 

Knowing not time's change or decay. 

They consolation on earth do us give, 
They are as flowers in perennial bloom; 
In heaven's own gardens permitted to live, 
Beyond the dark shades of the tomb. 
Oh, Giver of life, teach us to live, 
Ne'er fail carrying out our part ; 
To receive these boons we too must give, 
Foir their issue must spring from the heart.^ 

Beauty w^as given Venus, but Jove has the power, 

To mold, to execute, create and plan ; 

It was indeed a propitious hour, 

When these attributes were given to man. 

These God-given properties cherish ; 

Cerrrenrt the links of friendship and love, 

Fo'r they are immortal, never can peirish, 

Descending from God's own palace above. 

Notes. — All the philosophers of earth have taught us the power 
of friendship ; all the poets have sung us the g^reatness of 
love, but the combined teachings of both have never fully 
demjonstrated the magnanimity of the one, or the supernal 
origin of the other. The motive which prompts one man to 
befriend another for no seeming reward, cannot be ex- 
plained, perhaps by the donor himself; what prompts any 
one tO' so love another that he will lay down his life for 
him, cannot be understood by axiom of human philosophy; 
yet examples have been given us since the earliest annals 
of recorded time — not excepting the Savior himself. We 
might continue to write about these God-given attributes 
till the end of time, .and yet know no more about them 
than we do now. We know them only in- the grand and 
glorious results they produce. Without them earth would 
have no redeeming character, man would have no one to 
help elevate him ; heaven would not be inhabited by the 
spirits of just men made perfect. 



476 FALL OF CARTHAGE. 

FALL OF CARTHAGE. 



And hast diou fallen, not a strange story, 

The Roman power did thee overthrow ; 

For seven hundred years had stood in gloiry, 

But thou wast laid in ruins low. 

Laid in the dust thy works stupendous ; 

Thy gigantic columns once tremendous. 

Thy disastrous fate was melancholy ! 
From seat of power wert dethroned; 
Thy wives and children, grandsires hoary, 
In the burning devastation moaned. 
Thou are brought down to humble station, 
By a proud and impious nation. 

Scipi'O, the ruins of this famous city, , 
In gloom and dolefulness surveyed; 
Tears of pity flowed for the country, 
Which he 'had a toital ruin made. 
From his deep musing, silence broke, 
These truthful lines of Homer spoke : 

"Yet come it will the day decreed by fates 
How my heart trembles while my tongue relates 
The day when thou imperial Troy must bend 
See thy warriors fall, thy glories end." 
So thus proud Carthage down did fall, 
And perished her glories, one and all. 

This wondrous wreck ot Colossean arches, 
Did to his mind vividly foreshow, 
The vicissitudes and dire mutations, 
Kingdoms on earth must undergo. 
With all truthfulness did he forsee, 
The sad future of his own country. 

In riches and art high was her station ; 
Great walls did surround her home ; 
Didst conquer many a powerful nation, 
Wert a consiternation unto Rome. 
Low wert thou laid as the trodden earth ; 
Cursed he who should again give thee birth. 



FALL OF CARTHAGE. 477 

But in a few sbort fleeting hours, 
She that in subhme grandeur stood, 
Had to succumb to Rome's vast powers ; 
Thus to perish and be subdued. 
Thy valorous nation had to bend ; 
Thy glory and magnificence to end. 

In all ages mankind can read the story; 
Many nations may tremble at thy fate ; 
There may come an ebb-tide in the glory 
Of any power however grand or great. 
Leit earth's proud nations remember all, 
That they from pinnacle of fame may fall. 

None but righteous nations can conquer, 
Those coTrupt must be laid in ruins low ; 
Father Time in his eternal revolutions, 
Will cause their certain overthrow, 
And Homer tho' dead yet speaks with force, 
That such must be all nations' course. 

Carthage, as well as some other nations, 
Has fallen from the pinnacle of fame ; 
We read of their unprecedented glory, 
But now they only liv^ \n name. 
Would we avoid fate of some powers, 
A righteous nation must be ours. 

Notes. — Carthage was once a powerful city, located in the 
northetm part of Africa, near by the — ''Mare internum" — 
the Mediterranean sea, opposite Hispania — now Spain 
It maintained its power and greatness for seven hundred 
years, during which time, it conquered in and fought many 
great battles ; but was taken and reduced to ashes, by the 
Romans under the command of Sicipio, and all its glory 
and magnificence laid in the dust, B. C. 146 years. 

National greatness cannot always be measured by the power 
of its armaments, the number of its military foirces, the 
number and strength of its squadrons, or its fortifications 
of defense. Nations having all of these have fallen — some 
being blotted out whilst others only maintain a feeble exist- 
ence. Corruption and venality at the fountain head it will 
ultimately reach the deplorable fate of Carthage. 

Troy — The ancient capital of Troas in Asia Minor. 



478 KINDNESS. 

KINDNESS. 



Be kind to thy father and thy mother ; 

It always pays to be kind; 

Their love greater than any other, 

Wihich thou on earth canst find. 

Their wihole soul was wrapt up in thee ; 

They for all tihy wamts did care ; 

Thou didst kneel down at thy mother's knee, 

Repeat thy evening prayer. 

Be kind to any who are poor; 

It's a duty to be kind; 

Unnumbered ills they must endure, 

With many griefs combined. 

If Providence has blessed our lot, 

More than to others given, 

Be not proud of wihait we have got, 

But thank the Lord of heaven. 

A word of kindness is not lost. 
Nor ever spoke in vain ; 
To thee it may but little cost, 
To' others may be gain. 
It may relieve an aching heart, 
A soul oppressed with woe ; 
Whatever good thou canst impart, 
To others it bestow. 

The law of kindness and of love. 

Should reign within the breast ■ 

They were ordained from heaven above, 

To be by all possessed. 

Him, w'ho rules by love and kindness, 

His subjects will obey; 

They will unite his name to bless, 

And for his welfare pray. 

The fount of kindness as a spring, 
Flows from the hearts deep well ; 
It purest joys of heaven will bring, 
In healing that excel. 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS. 479 

Thou niayest an aching heart relieve, 
Or soothe tihe troubled mind ; 
''M'ore blest to give than to receive," — 
Be gentle, good and kind. 

Notes : — We spoke of Friendship and Love as two attribues of 
the soul, but kindness as a clear stream flow^s from] the 
fountain of friendship and waters the affections of the 
heart. Many gifts are very elaborate and costly and 
productive of lasting good, but the little amenities of life 
in the daily intercourse of business, are what gives 
kindness its great value. The kind and obliging man or 
woman, boy or girl are the parties who have always hosts 
of friends. As a matter of common sense, like begets, 
like, while dislike produces dissimilar qualities. It is bet- 
ter to have the friendship of a dog than his hate. While we 
cannot love everybody, we can still treat them with the 
law of kindness and gain their approbation. Our fount 
of kindness should never dry up, for without it, our life 
will be unsuccessful. 



LIGHTS AND SHADOWS. 



A plant that in the desert grows, 
Has some sympathizer near it ; 
Which for it some affection shows, — 
Which in solitude may cheer it. 

There is no heart so wholly sad 
Beneath the shining crescent. 
But some small thing may 'make it glad. 
And render life m/ore pleasant. 

There is no soul cast down in gloom, 
That feels the pangs of sorrow, 
But it will see in time to come, 
A brighter day to-morrow. 

There is no drear or gloomy night, 
That will not soon grow brighter ; 
Soon comes the glowing morn of light, 
The horizon becomes lighter. 

i ..._ :........:......... 



480 MONS DEORUM. 

The deepest stream of dread despair, 
Has on the brink some roses; 
So in the darksome vale of care, 
Sweet golden light reposes. 

There is no soul however sad, 
O'ercast by clouds of sadness, 
But can find some balm to make it glad. 
Diffuse the spirit of gladness. 

The sky may in the brightest day, 
Be quickly over clouded ; 
It can only for a short time stay, 
Nor long be over-shrouded. 

The humblest flower that ever grew. 
Has som-e friend it to cherish ; ' 

Must have its share of the falling dew, 
So that it may not perish. 

Then life is never so lonely, 
Tho' many cares surround it, 
That some gems of rarest beauty. 
May not with luster crown it. 

The gloomiest soul is not all gloom, 
The saddest heart all sadness ; 
The darkest hour's before the dawn 
Of morning's joy and gladness. 

Despair is never quite despair. 
Nor lif:iiGr death the futar: closes; 
Around the shadowy brov/ of care. 
Will Hope and Fancy twine their roses. 



MONS DEIORUM— Mount of the Gods. 



Did you e'er ascend Parnassus 
Where doth Apollo dwell? 
Hear the ancient fabled Muses, 
Their charming stories tell? 
Did you ever sport with Bacchus, 



WOMANLY VIRTUES. 481 

In his merrier, jollier mood? 

Or help tO' watch the flocks of Pan, 

Where fine verdant pastures stood '^ 

Did you ever see Prometheus, 

Who had to great torture stand, 

Chained under an impending rock. 

Near where gentle streamlets ran? 

Did you ever hear of Phaeton bright 

Who did his father's chariot run, 

For a single day in the heavens, 

But failed and was undone? 

Did you ever take your flight with Mercury 

Around heaven's heights to roam? 

Or did you ever take the wings of Pegasus, 

To sail thro' the Empyrean dome? 

Did you ever see old blacksmith Vulcan 

Who forged thunderbolts to throw 

Upon the earth for Jupiter — striking, 

Terror to the inhabitants belov/? 

Have we known the wisdom of Minerva 

Who was heaven's reigning queen? 

Or have we heard of poor Niobe who 

By Apollo had persecuted been? 

Let us descend : at some future time 

Well again the Mount of Parnassus climb. 

Note : — There are so many mythological characters and so 
much written about them that I cannot attempt to de- 
scribe them, nor give their peculiarities. Take some 
good work of reference and study them', because nearly 
all modern authors incorporate them in their works of 
poetry and fiction. 



WOMANLY VIRTUES. 



maxim says, we require four things of woman : — ''That 
virtue dwell in her heart ; that modesty play on her brow ; 
that sweetness flow from her lips, and that industry occu- 
py her hands." 

There are many kinds of adornment. 
Some of nature, others of art, 



482 WOMANLY VIRTUES. 

To make womankind appear attractive 
Takes in our world a leading part, 
In this one thing she must excel, 
That virtue in her heart should dwell. 

That attractive charm called modesty, 
Should play upon her brow; 
Nought adds more to graceful beauty. 
Nor her to better advantage show. 
No regal robes hers have been ; 
With this attraction she's a queen. 



Sweet temper is a god-like charm:. 
Which quite easy is to wear 
It is to woman's life essential 
A bright jewel always fair. 
Dressed in garments however neat. 
Lacking this trait, she's incomplete. 

The industrious bee must gather honey. 
The prudent farmer "must make hay 
While the sun shines," for there's money 
To all people who pursue this way. 
The industrious woman we behold, 
Is worth more than her weight in gold. 

With these four virtues all combined, 
And centered in her heart, 
For the best man of humankind, 
She forms a fitting counterpart. » 
As far as human perfection goes, 
There are no greater gifts than those. 

Notes : — "Handsome is she who handsome does," sums up all 
good womanly traits of character, and makes her guardian 
of the household, filling well the part for which the great 
Creator designed her. 



THE FATHERLAND. 483 

THE FATHERLAND. 



"Where is the true man's fatherland 
Is it where he by chance was born ?" 

— Lowell. 

In the small town or the great city, 

Or in a cottage quite forlorn ? 

No matter where in God's providence 

We first beheld the light, 

So that we fulfill the great design, 

Espousing the cause of right. 

No man can be held accountable, 

Being born in places low; 

If he possesses good traits of character, 

He will these to others show. 

The idler rich born in a mansion. 

May to very little amount; 

He can live in racing and gambling, 

Fast spending his father's account. 

We should not despise our fatherland 

But no place can advantage give 

Above that of some other strand 

If we aim to do nothing but live ! 

It matters but little where man is born, 

Tho' he may be an exile and roam ; 

The country he adopts he should support, 

And establish a patriot's home. 



THE MOTHER OF TO-DAY. 



Who sits prouder than any queen 
In regal robes that's ever seen, 
Who wears no sceptered, jeweled crown. 
To bear her up or bring her down ; 
Yet her enthronement is complete, 
The world bows waiting at her feet, 
The issues of Empire on her rest, 
"Her children rise and call her blessed?" 

The mother? 



484 THE MOTHER OF TO-DAY. 

Who rules with patience and tenderness, 
In Hfe's enjoyments or its distress, 
Who exemplifies the way of truth, 
Before the erring feet of youth. 
In the development of childhood. 
That culture, character, may be good, 
Who rightly directs the infant feet, 
In ways most proper, just and meet? 

The mother. 

Whose memory's sacred while she lives. 
Because she true inspiration gives. 
In manner both discreet and mild, 
To guide the footsteps of her child. 
So that he m,ay walk in virtue's ways. 
And richest blessings crown his days ; 
The future destines of the land. 
Are committed unto her hand? 

The mother's. 

Who did the ancient orator of Rome, 

Compliment in the Nation's ho^me : 

"Her empire is extended wide;" 

All rule must begin at the fireside ; 

The influence that a mother wields. 

Is 'known throughout earth's boundless fields 

Mad revolutions would take place. 

If such were not the certain case? 

The mother. 

Mohammed expressed a truth complete, 
"Paradise is at the mother's feet;" 
Greater than a Kingdom's here control. 
She guides the feet, she saves the soul, 
No wanderer in this world wide, 
But must think of homie and fireside ; 
Thinking of the past in reveries or prayer, 
What parent is the central figure there? 

The mother. 

Let him stand upon the Atlantic coast, 
Or in Western wilds be nearly lost, 
Or, let him go out boldly forth. 



THE MOTHER OF TO-DAY. 485 

Amid the great glaciers of the North ; 
Be chilled by eternal frost and snow, 
Against Boreas' breath can no further go : 
Who is always in my anxious thought, 
•Where'er on earth is cast my lot? 

My mother. 
Let him roam thro' waving groves 
Where cooing birds accent their loves, 
Or under the sunny Southern skies 
Where balmy breezes ever rise, 
He will live over home's scenes again, 
Because such impression must remain ; 
It would be ungracious to forget 
Life's youthful scenes that linger yet. 

My mother. 

Haste the time when each household Angel, 
Shall be God's own sweet evangel ; 
In ho'me temples for children shall be found. 
An altar raised to gather round. 
True patriotism must center there ; 
Good citizenship its fruit must bear. 
The sacred priestess at this shrine, 
Greater than any bishop or divine, 

The mother. 

How sad the fact, such is the case, 
In homes there's neither love nor grace ; 
Children have for parents no respect ; 
Mothers parental authority neglect. 
Hence from such homes does sure proceed, 
Crime of every kind that vice can breed. 
But parents dear, do not despair ; 
The State and Nation's in your care, 

Dear mother. 

Notes : — So much has been said and written upon mother and 
home affairs, that it seems superfluous to say any more, 
yet it is the all-absorbing question of to-day. Upon the 
mother depends the religious culture and training of the 
children, because the father being away in his store or 
shop the greater part of his time, scarcely gets acquainted 
with his own family. Mothers, if you value your own 
souls or that of your children, do not neglect home dis- 



486 THE MOTHEE OF TO-DAY. 

cipline and training. Children may sometimes do wrong 
and go astray, after having received the best sort of 
moral and religious training; but on the other hand, the 
children that come forth from degraded families, nearly 
invariably follow in the footsteps of their parents, and in- 
tensify their vices. Hence our jails and workhouses are 
filled with criminals who cannot boast of any religious 
culture in the home. ^If the fountain is pure, healthful 
streams will flow from it; if the home influence is what it 
should be, good citizenship and good character will nat- 
urally be the result. 
Mothers, arouse to a sense of duty ! Many American homes 
to-day are sadly lacking in these the most transcendent 
and important duties. God will bless the mother and the 
home where good instruction is ever and faithfully carried 
forward. 

Sept. II, 1903. 



VALE. 487 

VALE. 

As I do not wish to impose on your patience, 

Or yet to trample your toes, 

So let this volume be worthy or not, 

It will now be brought to a close. 

Be not too critical, my dear friend. 

As o'er its pages sometime you spend; 

But ponder and think as you read. 

Just try to compose a single couplet. 

And note how well you succeed ! 

Mr. Roosevelt sits in the President's chair, 

Has scholarly reputation too ; 

And no doubt, in political science 

Could write hundred times better than I do. 

While in this line he may excel, 

In some others I may do just as well. 

Kings and nobles may verses write, 

That may not live for a single day. 

Or be remembered a fortnight. 

I may come to your door and rap again ; 

I know you will make me welcome; 

I, as your friend will forever remain. 

Asking God to bless your home. 

A "contributed" volume may in time appear, 

If not in this, in some other year. 

In which many good things you'll see. 

But having made your acquaintance, I 

Will close this book and say — good-bye. 

CHARLES KANE. 



MEMORANDA. 



Marriages. 



489 
MEMORANDA. 



Births. 



490 

MEMORANDA. 



Deaths. 



491 
MEMORANDA. 



Important Happenings in My Life. 



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